It was also great to see the small man from Singapore back in a Becc’s Vets shirt, no – not Rory Simpson, but Chris Betts and also good to see he hadn’t lost his ability to talk throughout the 80 minutes of rugby.

In the blinding light, Paul Lansberg gets the game underway and the ball roles into touch for the first lineout of the game.

Chris Betts (Playing for Orpington) throws a trade mark “not straight” lineout creating the first scrum of the game.

The front 6 had a number of familiar faces, with Bryan Sweets, Lee Harding and Humpty scrummaging against fellow Beccs’ Saffa Josh, Bettsy & Rob Bardell who kindly gave their services to Orpington to help make up the numbers.

With the ball secured, Orpington’s 16 & 11 showed some early pace breaking tackles in the Beccs defence – when they were finally put down the referee whistled for an infringement at the break down and Beccs could clear their lines through the Cannon boot of Paul Lansberg.

Another dubiously straight lineout from Bettsy and the ball was shipped to “danger man” yellow 16 who finished well into the far corner. Conversion was missed but Orpington take the lead.

0-5

Becc’s restart and the boys in Yellow bring the ball back with some effective back’s running however this was all fruitless as the referee awards another penalty. Becc’s gained back good territory once again via Paul’s boot.

The resulting lineout concluded with yet another penalty against the boys in yellow. Bryan Sweeting went for the “quick” tap and go and Saffa Josh (Playing for Orpington – stay with me) was all 1 of the 10 yards required. Another Penalty.

Beccs are now on the front foot and went back to basics. “Pick and go’s” from Hayler, Humpty, Harding and Munro. With the Orpington defence narrowing, Rory Simpson (9) ships the ball wide via Sam Painter, Dean Borg, Hammy and finally Rory (11) who goes for the corner only to be tackled into touch with the line calling.

Amelia ball was called but unfortunately the brain and feet didn’t combine for the ageing vets.

Some great sustained pressure from Beccs but nothing to show for their efforts as Orpington finally clear their line.

Just before half time the pressure seemed to switch with Orpington coming close in the near corner with Mike Hamm preventing Saffa Josh a try (Josh is playing for Orpington just to confirm).

Half time: Beccs 0 – 5 Orpington, could have gone either way.

In the fading light, there was an excellent start for Beccs. Sam Painter pouncing on the loose ball and if it wasn’t for the pace of yellow 16 he would have had a great try in the corner. However, support play was there. The fresh, retired legs of Andy Munro going over the white wash once again. Converted by Paul Lansberg.

7-5

Rejuvenated by the try. Beccs come back, with Sam Painter attempting an audacious “Chip and Chase” that again come close. Stopped by a tackle off the ball, a penalty was awarded on Orpington’s 5 metre line.

3 penalties and 3 collapsed scrums later (can’t even blame the oppo!) and unfortunately for all those in attendance and you reading this – Dean Borg goes over for the try. The Sweeting brothers unsurprisingly leading the hand bags that followed. 10 minutes thinking time rewarded to yellow 8. Converted by Paul.

14-5

With action back underway, Yellow 16 is still proving a hand full for the Beccs defence. However the slightly less agile, yellow 3 goes for the swallow dive for the fourth try of the game. Conversion missed.

14 – 10

After a warm up that looked more like a shiver, Big Al (Eclipse) comes on for the try scorer (obviously Munro, you’d never get Borgy off).

Lee Harding goes on a searching run with a pass behind the back, it was forward but nethertheless would have been glorious should it have come off. Another penalty to Becc’s but unfortunately the trustworthy boot of Paul Lansberg was unable to add the three on this occasion.

The Becc’s forwards rallied together again, with an excellent driving maul with Big Al just falling short of the line and Lee Harding going off with what looks/ sounded like a nasty injury. Simon Gardener on.

Penalty given for collapsing the maul - Keeping it short – Borgy took it (in front of the post) and converted.

17-10

This was largely the last important play of action, apart from a superb late hit on Chris Betts by Bryan Sweeting which was greeted by great applause by all in attendance.

And that’s how it finished. Great play from both sides, played in good spirits.

Yellow 16 was Orpington’s stand out player and as for Beccs there was slightly more competition, Andy Munro and Dean Borg both scored good try’s and Pauls Lansberg boot saved Beccs on numerous occasion. However, having been denied twice, man of the match goes to Sam Painter.

Beer and WD40 enjoyed all round.

Yours truly,
Resident Vets Match Reporter – Louis Thorne.