Biggleswade RUFC

Biggleswade Men’s 2nd XV 11-5 Weston

Biggleswade 2nds won what could be a key promotion decider when they faced Weston at home on Saturday.

Back in October, a scratch Biggleswade side suffering with many injured and unavailable regulars went down fighting 12-0 in the only league loss for either the Men’s 1sts or 2nds so far this season.

Biggy were aching to avenge the defeat, and after Weston had postponed the original return fixture, anticipation was sky high. Despite missing their top try-scorer, Biggy’s growing strength and depth meant they fielded one of their strongest sides of the season.

Supporters were treated to an enthralling match. The 1sts game was cancelled late in the morning, so many came down to roar on their clubmates, adding to the big game atmosphere. It also gave an opportunity for coaches to observe players who have been knocking on the door of the 1sts.

Early in the game Biggleswade took an easy three points in front of the posts through Luke Haverly.

Biggleswade looked dangerous, with George Chapman and Haverly moving the ball well. However, ill discipline allowed Weston to exert a long period of pressure. Luckily for Biggy a penalty attempt was missed. 

Having lost one of their main carriers and motivators in Ross MacLaughlin it was down to others in the pack to step up. Defensively Biggleswade were also hungry, with Oli Lattimer and Dylan Fraser both mentioned by the coaches for their tackle rate. 

After the break, Biggy continued to dominate the scrum, disrupting possession as hooker Jack Unite stole the majority of Weston ball.

However, Weston scored next, despite Biggleswade defending well and holding up one drive for the line. The ball was kicked through at a scrum then dotted down for an unconverted score to take the lead.

But the home side kept up their threat, with Tom Anderson getting stuck in on his return from injury and making several carries.

Biggy's superior fitness and expansive play saw them score their only try of the day. Scrum half and 2nd team debutant Quinn Heath zipped away from the ruck and quick hands allowed Jacob Martin to glide across the line around the 15 metre channel. The angle and wind conditions meant the challenging kick was missed, leaving the score at 8-5.

As the clock ran down, both sides started to lose their temper and lost a man each to the sin bin after misdemeanours. 

With just over a minute on the clock Haverly took a shot at goal to extend his team’s lead to 11-5.