Biggleswade 2nd XV 63 - 7 Southgate
In what was already the third competitive game of January, Biggleswade 2nds welcomed Southgate to Langford Road.
Two weeks before, Southgate had dumped Biggleswade out of the main cup competition. With this fresh in the players’ minds, there was a extra incentive to put in a big performance.
With the pre-game warm up focusing on moving the ball wide and getting their most dangerous players on the ball, the Biggy boys came out with a bang.
In attack, every Biggleswade player showed confidence on the ball and in the attacking shape, allowing them to get outside of the Southgate defence. In all, nine tries were scored, with multiple players involved and showing exceptional skills. Ben Cowling and Shaymus Hancock were two players who threatened with the ball in contrasting ways; both were deserving of the joint Man of the Match awards.
With live wire scrum half Jack Mulholland-Dear a constant threat, Biggleswade were regularly able to get on the front foot. Dave Leslie also continued to show what he brings as a forward, having transitioned from centre to Number 8.
In the second half, Southgate found more rhythm and were harder to break down, but Biggleswade still scored some beautiful tries. Lex Jackson also knocked over 8 from 8 conversions and helped himself to a try - although only narrowly avoiding getting tackled in the act of putting the ball down.
Throughout the game, Biggleswade continued to show their unity in defence; their line was only breached once in the entire game as a result.
Overall, a mightily impressive game and with the first team on a rest weekend the watching players and coaches were full of praise for the side.
A special mention for Southgate and their captain Jack for a game played in great spirit and for staying for a long time in the clubhouse post game.
Next weekend the 2nds are at home with another big game against Finsbury Park.
