The Beests fielded an all-time star XV, featuring such luminaries of the oval ball game as Stu Cormack, Matt Bates and Norm Collier. The Beests immediately seized the upper hand from kick off, pressurising the Cromford line with repeated forward drives and some slick handling in the backs.

The first try for the Beests came when the scrum nicked a feed against the head, 5 metres out from the Cromford line. The Beesty surge came on and 5 metres later Dangerous Dave Goodman emerged from the mass of bodies with 5 crucial points for the Beests. Hutch missed the nudge.

Despite being under pressure for most of the half, it was the Beests who got the only points of the half. Dan Hutchinson kicked a well-deserved penalty after some persistent offside by the Cromford backs and back row. The final whistle blew, with the score at 13-5 to the Beests. Scenes of black and gold jubilation were brought to an otherwise dank and dreary Cromford Meadow. The Beests had completed their cherished four-peat in a hard fought game of rugby that was only ever for the enthusiast.

Using my Carling Opta stats machine, you could say that, on balance, Matlock had the lions' share of the possession and above equal share of territory. Matlock play a stingy brand of rugby, with tight defence and quick counter-attacks, but the Beests have always been able to drag a result out of the fire. One Matlock alikadoo said after the game "the best team lost today". I bet that's what Northampton said all season. Silly man for trying to out-banter me. Also, what 'worst team' still wins both halves? Hmm? Silly man for trying to out-think me...

After the disappointment of losing to Newark last week the Beests knew they were in for a tough afternoon against a Leicester Lions side who had beaten them 41-09 in the reverse NCA league fixture. There were changes to last weeks team with McCartin coming in for Cormack, ‘No-Frills’ Mills in for Mick Mead in the 2^nd row and West coming into the back row for Moore. In the backs Hutchison replaced the injured R Maddog and Milton replaced Hobson on the wing.  

A beautiful spring day yielded near perfect rugby playing conditions, except for a strong wind blowing straight down the pitch. The Beests played against this in the first half and found themselves pinned back by the Lions fly half who used the wind well in the early exchanges. The Beests defence held firm and then they took the lead when Thompson used a clever dummy to break the Lions defensive line and drew the full back for Hutchison to stroll in for the opening try. The difficult conversion was missed, but the Beests had the lead 5-0. 

The Beests exerted good control of the ball against the wind for the remainder of the half. However near half time the Lions fly half made a clever jinking run and supplied the winger with a simple finish, adding the conversion. Right on half time the Lions fly half missed a penalty attempt leaving the half-time score at Beests 5-7 Leicester Lions. 

The second half started with Thompson pushing Lions back with some raking kicks. The lineout was spot on all afternoon with Wilcox throwing on the money and Mills, Goodman and West providing good options to provide quick ball. From one spell of pressure Lions infringed and the Beests opted for a scrum. Thompson received the ball and sold what is becoming a trademark dummy and went in untouched under the posts adding the extras, Derby now leading 12-7. The Beests knew that they had to keep putting points on the board and shortly afterwards scrum half Nick Coombs provided an inside ball for Dancin’ Pete Wilcox to cruise in from 30 yards even having the cheek to dummy the touch down and go closer to the uprights. Thompson added the simple conversion. Again the Beests put pressure back on the Leicester Lions and when the Lions fullback was caught in possession the ball was stolen allowing another touchdown (apologies to whoever scored I’m not entirely sure!!). Thompson added 2 more points but had to depart shortly after with a recurrence of last week’s ankle injury.  

The game became more scrappy at this point and bits of niggle crept into the play. The Beests kept plugging away, and a further two-try burst completed the scoring. Firstly a Robertson break released ‘Fred’ West to gallop in (great knee lift!), then great interplay led to Coombs releasing Mills who drew the last man and supplied the pass for Glover to cap his man-of-the match performance with a try. Hutchison missed with both conversion attempts but the Beests had returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 36-7 victory. 

Not the best Beest performance of the season but a good win nevertheless. A mention to the forward pack who provided some immense performances, and laid the foundations for the win. The Beests still have plenty to play for as they are in NCA league action again for the next two weeks at Bedford Athletic and Cheltenham followed by a Derbyshire cup semi-final against local rivals Ilkeston. 

Squad: Maddocks P, Sharma, Robertson, Hutchison, Milton, Thompson, Coombs N, Bates, Wilcox, McCartin, Mills, Glover, West, Hobbs, Goodman. Reps: Cornfield, Long.

The Wildebeests headed to Newark for a hastily arranged fixture following Walsall’s withdrawal from the scheduled game. The team was much changed with the inclusion of 9 current colts players ensuring a more youthful look to the side. Matt Bates and Stu Cormack provided the experience up front. 

With a stiff breeze blowing straight down the pitch, the Beests elected to play with the elements in the first half. Ian Thompson immediately used the wind to good effect, pinning Newark back in their 22 and creating some early pressure. After 15 minutes the Beests opened the scoring with a Thompson penalty from under the posts after a Newark infringement. Shortly after a great 40-yard break from scrum half Nick Coombs enabled Sam Hobbs, making his 2^nd team debut to force his way over the line for a try converted by Thompson. Newark 0-10 Derby. Unfortunately Thompson had to exit the game shortly after with an ankle problem. 

Derby continued to press, and but for some awful forward pass decisions would have added to their score. The first one was perhaps level Rich but the second was at least two yards backwards! The score remained the same right up until the last play of the first half when the Newark winger forced his way over following a couple of missed tackles. The Newark kicker also added a good conversion from right on the touchline into the wind. Half time score Newark 7-10 Derby. 

The half-time team talk from Maddog and Stu focussed on the need to keep the game tight and deprive Newark of the ball. However after only 5 minutes of the second half disaster struck when the Beests made a mess of a Newark kick, which bounced up beautifully for the Newark winger to sprint under the posts from the halfway line. The simple conversion was added to make it Newark 14-10 Derby. 

This was one of only two occasions in the half that Newark managed to get into the Beest 22, a good effort against the wind. Following the Newark score, the Beests controlled the game, the back row of Goodman, Hobbs and Moore making yards with some hard-hitting runs. Cormack took an inside ball at full tilt and saw open space in front of him with 50 yards to go only for the referee to make a block and bring play back with no Newark player within 5 yards. The look of relief on Stu’s face was there for all to see!! 

The Beests kept possession well and camped in the Newark half. Bates and Goodman both went close but were held up short. What would have been the winning score evaded Derby, even at the death when Robertson took a great outside line and made great yards, the ball was recycled and the Newark defence got back to stop Moore just short of the try-line. 

So the final score read Newark 14-10 Derby. Newark earned their victory with a solid defensive effort, although the game was dominated by Derby and the team were disappointed to lose a game in which they made all the running. A bit more composure at vital times and with a bit of luck on the day Derby would have scored at least once in the second half to win the game. A bit more ruthlessness at the breakdown was required on the day as the opposition were often content to come in the side at rucks and mauls and lie on the ball at the breakdown to slow down Derby ball (I don’t think the ref had remembered his yellow card!).

Next week it’s back to NCA Merit League action against Leicester Lions at Haslams lane, a team who have beaten the Beests 41-09 already this season in the away fixture. 

Squad: Maddocks P, Sharma, Maddocks R, Robertson, Hobson, Thompson, Coombs N, Bates, Long, Cormack, Mead, Glover, Moore, Hobbs, Goodman. Replacements: Toolan, Ewan, Cawley-Nash.

The Beests kicked off the defence of the Derbyshire 2nd Team Cup with a home clash against local rivals Ashbourne. A warm spring day saw the Beests playing on the first team pitch, (well someone has to), and though the start was a bit haphazard, Dancing Pete was soon over the whitewash with the MIGHTY BEESTIE PACK in the ascendent. Jan van T added the nudge. Ashbourne hit back with a penalty.

As some of the large crowd had had trouble getting in because of traffic congestion on Haslams lane, and there was a bit of a furore at the gate over forged tickets due to very high demand. Dancing Pete, being a kind soul, decided to produce an action replay, and again went over the line accompanied by the MIGHTY BEESTIE PACK. Jan van T, showing a wicked sense of humour missed the conversion, confusing some of the crowd who were convinced that this was a genuine replay. The Ashbourne kicker then added a penalty, just to prove that they too could do their own replays. The rest of the first half was a fairly scrappy affair, with the BEEESTS trying to produce some rugby, but being let down by poor hands and dogged Ashbourne defence. Just before the break some quick ball to Jan van T saw him slice through the Watford Gap to score: he then added the nudge.

Half-time Beests 19 - 6 Ashbourne.

This week's half time talk was given by Major General Toon van Loon, NATO commander in Afghanistan, who was expected to give a paper on "Proactive intervention of massive force on little men in caves", but as he thought this would not be of interest to the herd, he talked about his allotment instead. He pointed out that all of the winter digging should have been completed by now, that all fruit bushes and trees should have been pruned, early potatoes laid out for chitting, and the first planting (under cloches) of broad beans, cabbage and carrots should have been done last weekend. Cristof Taylersen, realising that he had forgotten to cut back the raspberry canes, asked if he could nip off and do it, and was replaced by the Naked Paint Baller.

This rousing lecture produced the desired result, and the second half got underway with the the Beests on the attack: Van Robotson blasting over the line to score, and Jan van T added the 2 points. Soon after, THE MIGHTY BEESTY PACK rolled over the line, and the Fez got up with the ball (or was it a large donner kebab?), Jan again slotted the nudge.

Jan now got a bit greedy (probably thinking of that kebab), and got a try of his own, which he duly converted. It was at this point that we realised that there was a heckler in the crowd: some chap kept yelling about having travelled from the moon to see S van Bend score a try. This of course caused a great roar of laughter, as the idea of van Bend scoring a try and astronauts watching the Beests were equally daft - well maybe the idea of astronauts arriving isn't all that stupid. Anyway the security forces jumped on top of the heckler, and were about to beat him to pulp, when S van Bend on his trade mark "hook" move blasted on to a well timed pass and split the Ashbourne defence wide open; he took the ball on fifty yards before off-loading a lovely pass to Van Robotson who was well up in support; five more points. Jan van T added the nudge as the ref blew for full time.

Wildebeests 47 - 6 Ashbourne

Nice to see No Frills and the Naked Paint Baller back, and a handy debut from Israel van Berksen on loan from the colts: I'm sure we'll see him again.

Squad: Maddag 2, Moltonlava, The Wizzard, Van Robotson, S van Bend, Jan van Tompsen, Nick van der Crumb, Master Bates, Dancing Pete, Fez, Man Mountain, No Frills, Mooronthanoff, Fitch von Fitchoven, Cristof, Hogshead, Maddag 1, The Naked Paint Baller, and Israel van Berksen.

The Beests moved to pitch 3 for the first time this season, and kicked-off 5 minutes late, as the Stourbridge coach (as in bus, not trainer) got lost on the way and arrived a bit late.

For the first 20 minutes Stourbridge played some very quick, powerfull rugby that saw the Beests ship 26 points, as the opposition ran in 4 tries, with some excellent moves and quick hands. This pissed the herd off a bit, so they decided to get some points of their own. Some good work up front produced a try for Fitch Von Fitchoven, and *&^% (the player previously known as Dave Danson) added a penalty.

Just before half-time Cresswell Coaches who had been annoyed all week at the attention that Door Mat had received last week, fell over and complained that he had broken his leg. Luckily the St. Johns ambulance brigade were on hand, and were able to confirm that in fact it was his left arm that was broken, so he was dragged off the pitch and the game continued. (The DRI later decided that he was a pansy and there was nothing wrong with him at all, they did however lend him some crutches in case he got too pissed to walk later on).

(Squad: Mad Van Dag 2, Moltonlava, The Wizard, Van Robotson, The Maharaja, *&^%, Van der Crumb, Fez, Dancing Pete, The Prancing Poof, Pawpaw, Man Mountian, Threeshoes, Cresswell, Von Fitchoven, Mad Van Dag 1, Hogshead, Fireman Sam, Dan Van Gad and The OAP).

The Beests returned to the lush wet green Serengeti for an NCA Merit table clash with Nuneaton: They expected it to be tough, and they weren't wrong!

&^%$(the player previously known as Dave Danson) kicked-off and the ball failed to go 10 meters, even at 4 meters, it was the furthest the ball was to get into the Nuns half for the next half an hour. Nuneaton won the resulting scrum, and entered the Beests half, spreading the ball wide and looking dangerous. From a ruck they spun the ball left, &^%$ (the player previously known as Dan Daveson) nailed his man, Van Robotson flattened his, The Wizard shepherded his way across the field till he passed the ball into touch.

After some brief Beesty posession, the ball was regained by Nuneaton who launched another attack, again to the left, this time with a 2 man overlap the centre decided to go it alone, and was somewhat surprised to be knocked down by Moltonlava who was half his size.

10 minutes of pressure and no points.

The Nuns forwards decided that it was their turn and tried maul after maul, but stout, well organised D from the pack, with Skint Skippy leading from the front, prevented any break through.

20 minutes of pressure and no points.

Continuing attacks on the herd pressurised the Beests into giving away several penalties, and &^%$ (the player previously known as someone else), was sent to the bin for infringing in the ruck. Nuneaton gave up the chance of 3 points on several occasions to go for the try. Eventually the pressure was bound to tell, and when the defence was sucked into a maul, a Nuneaton forward peeled away to run in unopposed from 10 yards. The conversion was added.

From the kick-off the ball again failed to go the distance and the Beests were back on the defensive again. Some more massive hits from van Robotson and Mooronthanoff kept the Nuns out and suddenly up the middle of the park, like a SCREAMING BANSHEE sprinted Dancing Pete, he was brought down on the opposition 22, and resulting ball had the Beests on the attack for the first time. A couple of promising moves later and the game came to a halt with a serious injury to Door Mat: he had dislocated his knee. The ref decided to blow for half time, and both teams went in.

Half time lasted for half an hour as Door Mat could not be moved, and we had to wait for the ambulance. This weeks guest lecturer was Dr. Ahmed Dosh, giving a paper entitled "The return of private equity buy-outs and their effects on pension funds". He wasn't very interesting so Twoshoes and Man Mountain beat the s**t out of him.

The second half got underway with Macrame taking over from the injured Door Mat. Again the Beests soaked up the pressure, and again Nuneaton were unable to put points on the board.

Skint Skippy received a blow to his elbow and was unable to continue: Pawpaw moved in to the second row Cresswell Coaches roared off the bench, and proceeded to inject some pace into our efforts. Nick van der Crumb was replaced by The Jackal, who was almost immediately sent to the bin for a bit of hand bagging on a prone member of the opposition. (Not "..for a bit of hand bagging on one of the opposition's prone member" !!).

The Beests were however starting to get back into the game; the scrum and lineout were going well and some useful mauls were developing: we just could not get quick ball to unleash S van Bend and Moltonlava.

An unfortunate mix up at this juncture, was pounced upon by Nuns, and they sped away to score on the right. This time they could not add the 2 points.

12 - 0 down with ten minutes to go.

From the kick off the Beests launched an attack and several phases later play had reached the Nuns line, a maul was driven over, and the ref judged that the ball had been held up. 5 meter scrum to the Beests. Macrame and Master Bates (combined age 471) were drooling.

And then a miracle occured: One of the Nuns front row was struck by a bolt of lightening, amazing even during a thunderstorm, but absolutely bizarre on a clear evening with no reindeer in sight. The Beests on the attack, five meters out with the put-in, and scrums having to go uncontested. (Of all the darned bad luck old chap).

From the resulting scrum the Jackal passed the ball to &^%$ (the player previously....), who flipped out a pass to Van Robotson who hit the line at real pace, blasting the opposition aside and crossing the whitewash for a very well deserved score.

&^%$ realising that there was still enough time for another score took a drop for the conversion and the ball just scraped over the bar: 12 - 7 with 1 minute to go.

However from the kick off Nuneaton soon regained possession and drilled the ball off the pitch: game over

Beests 7 - 12 Nuneaton

A quite awsome defensive display from the Beests against a very strong Nuneaton side. A game that showed us what we can do if we keep our shape and don't have our usual siesta. Two lapses of concentration were immediately pounced on and punished by the opposition, but the performance as a whole was immense: one of those rare occasions when the losing team were happier than the winning one.

A big vote of thanks to the Nuneaton Physio for looking after Door Mat.

(Squad: Mad Dog 2, Moltonlava, The Welsh Wizard, Van Robotson, Van der Bend, &^%$, Van Crumb, Master Bates, Dancing Pete, Door Mat, Skint Skippy, Man Mountain, Mooronthanoff, Pawpaw, Threeshoes, Macrame, The Jackal and Cresswell Coaches).

The Beests turned up with so many subs that they could have done with two changing rooms, luckily everyone got a game, largely due to the Hinckley lads agreeing to us using our subs, even though they had none of their own. ("You've got 7!! B***er me we haven't got any, ok you can use them, but don't take the piss").

The Beests took to the field, and for the first 20 minutes played some of the best rugby we have played all season. The forwards were playing well and in control, and soon a right hook to the jaw from S van Bend sent him SPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDING through for his first (and last) of the day. Jan van der T had bought his extended family along to watch, and while no one was looking his mum slipped on and added the 2 points.

If we play against Nuneaton like we did in the first 20 minutes we should win well. If we play like we played the in second 20 minutes we should be massacred. The choice is entirely up to us.

(Squad: Maddog 2, Moltonlava, The Welsh Wizzard, &^%$, Van der Bend, The Tompsen Twins, Nick van der Crumb, Master Bates, Dancing Pete, Door Mat, Man Mountain, Skint Skippy (sorry about that one), Cresswell Coaches, Fidget, Fourshoes, Maddog 1, van der Lung, Van Robotson, Whatshisname, Mooroffthanon and San Van Jay.

'Beeests Absolutely Definitely 48 - 12 Burton Without a Shadow Of A Doubt'

The Beests took a break from league action to play Burton. (Though interestingly some of their players are under the impression that they are in the NCA Midland Merit Table! This combined with the claim on their website that the score was 29 - 7, leads me to believe that somewhere, just down the A38, there is a supply of some quite strong mind-blowing gear!!! Perhaps we could organise a raid...........)

The BEEEESTS hit the park in a positive frame of mind, with their 403rd scrum half of the season, Ben Van de Crumb,s brother Nik Van Cramb, and within a few minutes Dancing Pete had waltzed over for a score of quite dazzling individual brilliance that left the large crowd roaring with appreciation. Unfortunately Goldenboots could not add the 2 points.
Not long after an immense driving maul from the half way line collapsed over the Burton line, and when the banana was peeled away S Van der Bend came up with the ball and was duely awarded the try. Jan van Tompsen, lining-up the ball with care received tumultuous applause for hitting the up-right exactly (to the nearest 3.2 cms) half way up. Excellent Kicking.

*^%$£ (the centre previously known as Dave Danson) was the next to score, blasting over from close range, and Jan Van T ruined his 100% record by slotting the nudge to giv a half-time score of 17 - 0 to the BEESTS.

The half-time team talk was of great interest, as Prof. Doctor Ahmed Van Mohamed the well known Dutch Middle Eastern xpert had been invited to give a talk on "Palestine: the way forward". The herd were treated to a very interesting lecture in which Prof. Dr. Ahmed postulated that sooner or later Hamas and Fatah would have to start talking, and the only real way left open was for Hamas to be recognised as part of the PLO, which would imply by acceptance that Hamas agreed with the existing peace accords with Israel. Whether or not this implied acceptance would satisfy the international community was another thing, but given Khaled Meshaal's present stance this would probably be the best that could be hoped for.

While the BEEEEEEESTS were giving Prof. Dr. Ahmed a standing ovation, the ref blew for the start of the second half, and Burton ran through and scored before the Beests had realised what was going on. The Burton kicker realising what had happened, and being a great sport deliberately missed the conversion.

The Beests then, inspired by the prospect of peace in the Middle East unleashed some shock and awe tactics of their own, and Moltonlava, S Van der Bend and Creswell Coaches all ended flowing movements by crossing the line, Van T manageing to convert one of them.
Miki Van Robotson, getting a mite pissed off that the ball seemed to be going everywhere apart from to him, then gathered the ball in his own in-goal area and, like a mini-Buss, made a point of aiming at, and running through/round/over (delete as apropriate) all fifteen of the opposition to score under the posts. Van T added the 2 points.

Burton, who had supplied the ref with some of their mind-blowing gear before departing from the field just after S Van de Bend's second try, (when the score was 29 - 7) were then awarded a try as the ref was VERRRRRRRRRRRRY IMPRESSED with the results, however the effects soon wore off, and he spotted Moltonlava crossing for the last try of the day, which Van T converted with a drop.

Final Score: Derby Wildebeests 48 - 12 Burton Pink Elephants.

The BEEEEESTIE BEER CHEST was kindly sponsored by John's Garage. Bob has promissed to sign a sponsorship deal to supply the Beests for the next 99 years if we can get him some Burton Banshhee Juice.

(Squad Moltonlava, Cresswell, Miki, *^%$£, S Van Bend, Van T, Nik Van Cramb, Door Matt,Dancing Pete, Master Bates, Skippy, Man Mountain, Ben van Smatt, Pawpaw, Twoshoes and Van der Moor)

PS - The raid was a great socsis

The Wandering Herd returned home to the plains of the Serengeti for the first time in 6 weeks. It was nice not to be on migration and The Beests responded with a BEESTIFEROUS DISPLAY.

Having permitted the 1st team to start first, the main attraction of the day at Haslams got under way 2 minutes late, as time had to be allowed to let the huge crowd in.

A massed BEESTIE attack, putting Kettering under pressure, produced 3 points from the boot of Jan van Tomsen, and set the scene for the rest of the day. A few minutes later more pressure forced the Kettering pack into transgressing, and, spurning the 3 points, Van The Man went for position, and after a few more phases Cresswell Coaches crashed over for the 5 pointer. VanderKicker sloted the nudge.

Kettering then decided that it was time to get off the coach and put the BEESTS under pressure, but some excellent kicking from Vanwilkoman, allowing Van de Moltonlava to arrive at about the same time as the ball, meant that the Kettering No. 15 was sent straight to Chateau Smashland, (Archer 2006), without even passing "Go". the pressure was relieved, and Moltonlava showed his attacking prowess with a good try.

The BEEESTS then had their customary little nap, and when they woke up they found that Kettering had scored an unconverted try. Taking exception to this, the mighty herd launched an impressive attack with the backs and forwards interlinking well, resulting in Ben Van Smatt crossing the whitewash. Vandergoldenboots added the 2 points, and Brian Ashton was seen asking for names and addresses.

Half time BEESTS 22 - 5 Kettering

The herd gathered at the wateringhole to generally slag each other off, and Moltonlava was replaced by San Van Jay.

The second half got underway and an awesome rolling maul got Mr Ashton reaching for his notebook again, and the Kettering lads lining up behind their line again: Owen "I'm-too-crap-to-play-in-the-first-team" van de West being the try scorer. The Beests then made a couple of devastating substitutions as Sumo Vandevandriver and Man Mountain Mick took to the field to replace Sixpence and Ben van Smatt. Vandevandriver immediately stamped his authority on a few heads and the game by crossing for five points.

The game started to fizzle out at this point as Kettering started to run out of puff, and players, though credit to them, they never gave-up. There was still time for Cresswell Coaches to display his party trick: the Buss-Pass, which produced a well worked try for San Van Jay. At this point, with Kettering down to 14 men, and less than 5 minutes to go, the ref blew up for full time.

All in all a good display from the BEEEESTS: The backs are getting it together as selection becomes more settled. For the second week in a row the forwards destroyed their opponents. Moltonlava looked sharp, Alex Van Tossharder had a good game at 9 where he is much improved and we only went to sleep for 10 minutes instead of the usual half hour.

Squad: Van Mad Dag II, Ellot Van Spanner, Mad Van Dag I, Van $%^"* (The centre previously known as Dan Daveson), Molton Lava, Jan Van Tomsen, Alex Van Tossharder, The Centurion, Sixpence, Ben Van Crumb, Spark Van Spark, Pawpaw, Cresswell Coaches, Vangoodman, Ben Van Smatt, San Van Jay, Sumo Vandevandriver and Man Mountain Mick.

"Sunshine on a rainy day helps the Beests go all the way" 

A long trek to the picturesque West Midlands saw the Beests take on Dudley in the NCA merit league.  Victory would help cement a top half standing in the league with about 6 games still to play.  The first dilemma came in the warm up when the boy, I mean ref called for the captain.  Everyone looked at me but the honour had to go to the more successful skipper this season, ‘Ski’ Eldon. 

The first half saw the Beests playing with the gale.  Would a big score follow?  The simple answer is no!  Although at times in the half, chances went begging.  Early penalties allowed the Beests to take the line out option.  Only our mistakes meant the white wash remained untouched.  Maddog ‘2’ made a telling break into the 22, only to be halted on the line by 2 defenders.  When not in possession the defensive line held firm.  Dudley to their credit had a 15 minute spell close to the line but wrong options and big D prevented them from scoring.  Either side of the Dudley pressure, chief Maddog showed his gas, yes GAS, and class.  In the NFL he would have got MVP for his punt return, total yardage gained 49, including a cheeky shimmy and a bosh.  His other master stroke came from 2 kick chases, where on both occasions he opened the locker door.  First blood came when the Jackal slotted a penalty in front of the posts.  The backs saw little usable ball and spent most of their time on kick chases or defending.  Simmo made a nice 60 yard break, and then he decided to stop so we could all catch up.  The only score of the half came from a driving maul.  Ben Smart just hiding at the back with the ball while the other 7 forwards busted a gut to get over the line.  Jackal missed the nudge.  Hutch nearly added a score with a sublime DG effort; only for Kenty to open his gob and blow it wide of the upright. 

After a severe talking to with a North Easterly twang, it was time to ‘get cracking – with the nacking!’  The number 7 Buss came from the Buss shelter to start the 2^nd half, which let the goose, loose, about this house!!  Early exchanges saw Dudley kick deep, but the Beests chose to run the ball back.  Once regrouped, the forwards went old school and did some dog.  Mix this with telling breaks in midfield meant plenty of Beesty possession.  With the exception of about 5 minutes, all the play took place beyond the Beest 10 metre line.  Three scores were added in the half.  The first two came from concentrated forward play, retaining possession and gaining yards.  The first to benefit was Owen West who scored during the 37^th phase of play.  Not to be outdone, Ben Coombs went one better.  His score came, in a new Beest record, phase 48.  The Jackal missed both nudges.  The last 5 minutes saw the Beest superior fitness shine through.  Off came the shackles as old school went out and sevens came in.  Dangerous bRyan released S-bend, only for S-bend to impersonate bRyan, and fumble.  Once recycled, the ball went wide and the Buss was on hand to score.  Massive forward effort – well done.  See you at training!!! 

Squad: Maddocks P, Spencer, Maddocks R, Hutchinson, Milton, Burrows, Woods, Smart, Else, Goodman, West, Atherton, Bates, Long, Kent.  Coombs, Dodds, Bussell

The Beests headed off to Nuneaton for an important league game, not the ideal situation for the first match after Christmas. To make things worse the 1st team pinched The BEEESTIE BOSS, The BEEESTIE ASSISTANT BOSS, and having twigged that we have some skillful backs, pinched some of them too!

Any way we arrived in Nuneaton in the rain to learn that the pitch had passed an inspection and that the kick-off had been bought forward by 15 minutes so that the Nuneaton lads could see the end of their first team's League 2 game against Halifax.

It was never going to be a flowing game, and the best Derby break came in the first few minutes when Cresswell Coaches broke to feed Rob "Thak God It's My Dad's Birthday So He's Getting Pissed Somewhere Instead Of Being Rude To People On the Touch Line" Brown, who was brought down just inside the Nuneaton 22. Nuneaton then broke out to score (?) a converted try.
The Beests however, fought back well and Ian Van Der Tompsen landed two nice penalties to bring us back to 6 - 7 down.
Towards the end of the half Acting BEESTIE BOSS BATES twanged (technical term) his calf and had to limp off, being replaced by Marten Van Der Dodds, Soon after Nuneaton scored 2 tries in a five minute period, both from unforced Beestie errors, so we went in at 19-6 down.

The Second half started well for the Beests with a bit of BEESTIE BRAIN being applied and, following the sin binning of a Nuneaton player a good BEESTIE drive over the whitewash led to Simmo Van Der Lung coming up with the ball, the referee awarded the try.

Unfortunately the rest of the game was marred by injuries and a catalogue of unforced errors from the Beests. A mix-up over a call from a kick led directly to another Nuneaton try, and then some Lemming-like decision making gave the ball away, and Nuneaton pounced to score again.

Cresswell coaches retired hurt with a damaged Knee, Hutch came off after spraining a wrist, to be replaced by The Prodigal son and The Canadian Wanderer.

Sanjay, who had not seen the ball all day was replaced by The Earl of Lichfield, who was also not to see the ball. Ah, great position wing, when it's raining.

Ben van der Smat and Ben van Der Crumb, were by this time limping around the park, but we had run out of replacements, and Nuneaton ran in 2 more tries for a well desrved win.

Final Score Nuneaton 36, Beests 11

It was not the best day for playing rugby, but despite the injuries and a few missing personnel we should have done better: too many unforced errors, and some poor decision making cost us dearly. Nuneaton were probably not that much better than us, but they played to the conditions and took their chances. We didn't.

(Squad: Mad Van Dag 1, His Highness The Maharajah, Mad van Dag 2, Dave Danson, Rob "My Dad......." Brown, Jan Van Der Tompsen, Woody Van Der Woody, Door Matt, Van Der Lung, Ben Van Der Crumb, Mick Van der Mountain, Goody ThreeShoes, Fireman Van Der Sam, Cresswell Coaches, More Van Der Moore, The Prodigal Son, The Wandering Canadian, Van Der Dodds and The Earl of Lichfield).

The Beests left Derby at about noon, and the 2nd team arrived at Leicester's ground about an hour later.

The warm-up consisted of the forwards practising lineouts, in which the jumper usually fell over, and the backs standing in a huddle trying to work out what moves they might use. Things went down-hill from then on.

Lions, though by no means perfect, destroyed us, and were able to score at will.

Leicester 41 - 09 Derby, The Beests worst result in 5 years.

On returning to Derby I went to my local for some chat, and to drown my sorrows: the only customers were 3 geriatrics watching "Strictly Come Dancing", which summed-up the day beautifully !

Bedford Athletic, realising that the MIGHTY BEEEEEESTS had discovered a new secret weapon, decided that discretion was the better part of valour, and hid under the stairs. Notts Casuals, however being made of sterner stuff (or being incredibly stupid) stepped in to the void.
 
On a bright and sunny day the BEEESTS stepped out on the Serengeti to take on our near neighbours from down Sir Brian Clough Way, and were soon into their stride with a blistering try from Cresswell Coaches, unfortunately the sun was shining directly into the eyes of Jan van Tompsen, and he missed the nudge.

And then....it happened... With the try-line in sight BUSS PASSED THE BALL ........ You could have heard a pin drop, and then it erupted, The Crowd went crazy the SECRET WEAPON was revealed, THE BUS-PASS long talked about by Pensioners and Gordon Brown was seen for the very first time. The excitement was such that no one noticed S-Bend crossing the line, Casuals getting a consolation score or MoltonLava getting the final one.
 
If you were there you will be able to tell your children... "I was there the day Buss passed the ball"
 
(Squad: Who Cares?)

Whilst the 1st XV were strutting their stuff on centre stage the Beests were battling to better the Old Northamptonian Pie-eaters in the wings.

The first half was a torrid affair with Old N's trying to punch the Beests off the Park, and the Beests lying low and waiting for their moment. OldeNs got the better of the beests up-front, where we were put under severe pressure in the scrum, luckily they had little outside to cause the Beests much damage.

Maddog was first to cross the whitewash, but the ONions soon replied with a converted try to give them a 7 - 5 lead, which was maintained till half-time.

Captain Athers gave everyone a severe bollocking at half time, and pointed out that if the Desert Rats had fought like that we'd all be speaking Spanish. (History and geography not being his strong points - Ratty come back!).

This stirring rhetoric however produced some results and not long into the half Moltenlava blasted over for 5 points. This seemed to annoy the Pie-eaters who launched an attack up the middle of the field in such a frenzy of pace, speed and skill that they burst into the Beests 22 and passed the ball to the Bristol Banshee, who, unfortunately for the Old Pie-eaters, was on our side: he ran the length of the field to score under the posts. Rob "my-dad-is-even-shorter-and-ruder-than-me" Brown added the 2 points.

Whilst re-grouping under the posts the Pie-eaters realised that they only had 6 pies left: this caused some consternation as 15 is not divisible by 6. Who were to be the lucky ones? The forwards maintained that all the backs were already too fat, and, as this was obvious to all, the backs had to agree with them, so the forwards got the pies. But, alas, 8 is also not divisible by 6 and whilst the arguments were going on about who was most deserving of the treats, the Beests quietly took the upper hand.

Dancing Pete on his return to the herd, was determined to parade his pedigree (and his Timothy Taylor's), so after a stirring performance in the loose grabbed the ball and skinned the Oldens No. 11, side-stepping him and beating him for pace to score near the posts.

(Admittedly the No.11 was distracted: having a genial and nostalgic discussion with "Im-nearly-as-tall-as-my-son" Brown about rugby in days of yore, that went something like: "In my day, even though wingers were poofs, they didn't wear hats, and were usually faster than front-row forwards" to which, quick as flash, came the whitty repartee: "F**k off you old B*g*er").
Meanwhile young Brown had added the extra points.

Rob "my-dad-is-even-shorter-ruder-and-redder-in-the-face-than-me" Brown now waltzed through the opposition to score, but was unable to convert his own try. A few minutes later though Owen blasted over for 5 more points and Rob was able to add the nudge.

All in all, a fairly scrappy affair in the first half, where the Old N's forwards out-played us in the set piece and had us under the cosh for long periods in the loose. The Beests gradually gained the ascendency in the second half as the forwards got into the game, and Old Northamptonians ran out off steam: in the end the Beesty Backs out-classed their opposite numbers.

(Squad: Rodinsky Muirikov, Moltonlava, Rob "my-dad......" The Prodigal Son, The Bristol Banshee, Maddog, Tom Sawyer, Door Mat, Dancing Pete, Ben van de Crumb, Skippy, Goodstein, Pawpaw, Cresswell Coaches, The Naked Paint Baller, Van de Matt and Alec Garden.

.......Be the Beest !!! 

The Beests travelled to South Yorkshire to do battle with Sheffield Tigers, who have previously travelled down to Derby for some feisty pre-season encounters. The team was minus Eldon and ‘Kanye’ West who had been promoted for their recent good form for the Beests, and late cry-offs due to Illness from the usual match correspondent Archer and Rod. Al Jardine and Dan Gadsby moved up from the Development XV to sit alongside Batesy on the replacements bench. 

Due to a combination of traffic and less than fair map reading abilities (eh Teager?) the Beest’s contingent of 18 players was assembled at quarter to two. The referee then informed us that the kick-off was not two thirty as expected but actually two fifteen. So instead of the usual pre-match fitness session usually presided over by Eldon ‘Man’ it was rushed affair and quick speech by stand in captain Maddog, but how would the team react? 

To their credit the Beests started well, taking the game to the larger and more experienced pack of Tigers. Hutch used the wind to good effect, nudging to the corners. However this period of domination yielded no points, which seemed to lift the Tigers who gradually came back at Derby. Midway through the half, Tigers managed to creep into the Derby 22, and from a caught and driven lineout they took the lead against the run of play. The tough conversion was missed, and the Beests trailed 5-0. 

What response would be forthcoming from the Beests? The response was a positive and immediate one. A turnover ball in midfield on the Derby 22 found its way to JT, who wrong-footed one would-be tackler, and then delivered a b-e-a-utiful miss pass for Ryan Milton to run onto without breaking stride. Whilst Teager and the Tigers coach were swapping bets on who would win the race to the line, Ryan showed great wheels to cruise in from 60 metres. This brought the scores to 5-5, as Rob Brown narrowly missed with the extras. Shortly after this the Beests had a series of penalties which were taken quickly with play surging into the Tigers 22, where Dave Bussell decided to pick, go and outstrip 3 defenders to touch down in the corner. Again the nudge was difficult and was missed, leaving the scoreboard at 10-5 to Derby at halftime. 

The half-time talk led by Maddog and Else focussed on trying to play away from the Tigers pack and keeping possession against the wind in the 2^nd half. 

The second half was only 2 minutes old when a counter attack from S-Bend and ‘Playboy’ Preece was kicked ahead. Bussell arrived first linking with Preece and finally to Browney to score behind the posts. He converted his own try to put the Beests up 17-5. 

Credit to the Tigers who came back strongly, the Fly-Half using local knowledge to ping the ball over Derby into the corners making it tough to mount any sort of attack. In fact it was Stourbridge revisited, as Derby probably managed only 15-20% of possession and spent most of the 40 minutes defending inside their own 10 metre line. The defensive effort was unfaltering, and everyone fronted up well to the Tiger’s big ball runners. The Tigers did manage to score in the corner after numerous phases and at times last ditch tackling. However the conversion was again unsuccessful and the Beests still led 10-17 with 25 minutes to go. 

What followed would best befit a scene from Zulu. Using the wind, wave upon wave of Tigers attacks crashed down on the Beests 22, and were repelled time and again by firstly the back row of Else, Smart and Turner and also some strong hitting in midfield from Mikey Robertson. Eventually however the Tigers hooker managed to blast his way over under the posts after countless phases, and the kick levelled up the match at 17-17 with 5 minutes left. 

The last five minutes were spent at the other end of the field. The Beests switched play from side to side, and earned a penalty which was nudged into the Tigers 22. A series of lineouts followed, from which Derby attempted to drive over the line, only to be repelled by some gutsy defence and some dubious definition of the offside line. With almost the last play of the game JT spun off the maul, reached and couldn’t quite ground the ball and the final whistle wasn’t long in coming. 

So a draw was the result, and both sets of coaches acknowledged the closeness of the contest. The Beests will look back on a lack of composure which gave yardage away to Tigers and enabled them to gain the territorial dominance in the 2^nd half. Next week is scheduled as Old Northamptonians, but may yet yield a league game against Cheltenham. Whoever the opposition, the Beests will learn from this, and will need to tidy up their performance and play smarter if they are to return to winning ways.  

Team: Preece, Spencer, Brown, Robertson, Milton, Hutchinson, Maddocks (P), Coombs, Erwin, Smith, Goodman, Bussell, Turner, Else, Smart. Replacements: Bates, Jardine, Gadsby. 

And finally with match correspondent Arch laid up, this weeks EMT Healthcare question of the week comes from Mr Teager of Belper, ‘If I hold the map the right way up does it make it easier to use?

The Beests set off for Burton with the 73rd different scrum-half of the season (Maddog) to see what life would bring. (Well it didn't bring Harry "The Pie" Roberts for starters!).

The warm up was a bit hurried as the ref gathered both teams together for a 30 minute lesson on how to play rugby. (I didn't know you could pick the ball up, lucky he explained everything). However the BEEEESTS BURST out of their BLOCKS with a BANG and after 5 minutes Ian "The Gazelle" Thompson had scored two tries and converted one of them (greedy git).

Rob "My-dad-is-even-shorter-than-me" van der Brun then crossed for five more points just as his Dad (I'm-even-shorter-than-my-son van der Brun), arrived to swell the Beests travelling band of spectators to 3. The nudge was just missed by The Gazelle (or possibly his twin brother who was in the stand (or perhaps on the pitch....?)

The Forwards, who had done most of the scoring in previous weeks, were somewhat miffed at all this attacking flair from the backs (excellently marshalled by Mad van Dag and The Gazelle), so decided to get a few points for themselves, and one of them went over for a try. (The tall one who usually plays at 6, and used to be in the 1st XV till they realised how useless he is - can't remember his name). The Gazelle's brother nipped on and added the nudge.

The Beests were now in full flow with the Backs and Forwards linking with the grace and beauty of a pregnant hedgehog, and after several passages of scintilatiously exquisite play Preeeeceee the winger, (who used to be in the 1st XV till they realised how useless he is) thundered in for a five pointer that Golden Bollocks Thompson (or his brother) converted.

Burton then got a penalty just before the half-time whistle, to leave the score: Burton 03 - 31 Beests

At the watering hole the Beests split into groups to discuss the finer points of Zen Budhism and how pissed they were going to get at Mick "The Mongoose Slayer's" bash that night. Sixpence (who used to be in the 1st XV till they realised how useless he is) RECKONED IT WAS THE BEST THE BEEESTS HAD PLAYED ALL SEASON.

The second half started with Cresswell van der Coaches replacing S van der Bend, and Tom van der Sawyer replacing Mad van Dag. No Frills soon got injured though and S van der Bend had to come back on as Cresswell went in to the back row and the useless 6 from the 1st XV (what's his name?) went into the second row. All these changes so confused the Burton players that they let Preecee van der Priest in for a try. The Gazelle's dad promptly converted.

After more Champagne rugby My-dad-is-even-shorter-than-me van der Brun cut through the opposition to cross the line. The Gazelle's aunt knocked over the conversion of St.Paul for the extra points.

The Beests were now getting bored: 45 points up against a Burton team that hadn't even thrown a punch!! call this a derby?? Any way they all fell asleep and Burton scored a try which was converted.

The end of the game.

Six pence was right at haltime - best display so far with some fluency in the backs and some good back-row play giving continuity. Good display from The Gazelle's family and an encouraging debut for Tom van der Sawyer.

Squad: Molton Lava, van der Priest, ^&*"£ (The artist previously known as Dave), van der Brun, van der Bend, The Gazelle, van Dag, van der Cumbs, Six pence, van der Mat, Skippy, No Frills, Pawpaw, van der Goodstein, van der Smatt, van der Coaches and van der Sawyer.

THE BEEEEEESTY BEER CHEST, KINDLY SPONSORED BY "BIRD-BATH BOB" OF JOHN'S GARAGE FAME set off down the M1 towards Kettering safely hidden in the boot of the coach. Meanwhile up above the BEEEEESTS and the first team were treated to some excellent grand prix driving and stunning navigation courtesy of Harpers and Queen.

Out on the pitch the BEEESTs started with a bang, as a BEEESTy speciality aka a rolling maul, produced instant results, and with less than five minutes gone Cresswell "does-exactly-what-it-says-on- the-tin" Coaches pounced on the ball to be awarded the 5 points. Unfortunately %$"*& missed the conversion.

Kettering were not going to take that lying down, or even standing up, and after very nearly getting two interceptions, succeeded on the third attempt, to run in a try from half way, which was converted. This was soon followed by a penalty.
Kettering 10 - -5 BEESTS.

Though the Beests were more than generous in the first half, they tightened things up in the second to produce a more convincing display. S van de Bend, Moltenlava and Rodinski Muirsikov are getting it together as the back 3. The centres actually passed the ball to each other. The forwards are starting to produce the goods. No Frills was welcomed back to the herd. Debutant Dan van de Kooms looks a natural. Cresswell Coaches is collecting positions and most people even paid some of their club subs!

Anyone know a scrum-half ?

Squad: Rodinski, S van de B, Moltenlava, Ball Gown, Mad Van Dag, %$"*&, Cresswell, Door Matt, Six Pence, Van de Matt, No Frills, Skippy, Ned Kelly, Boris Goodenough, Chick Pea, Melon and Pawpaw.

The Beeests took to the field on a breeeeeezy afternoon on the Serengeti, hoping for a first win in the NCA league.

Starting well, the Beests were soon camped in the Lions 22, but were unable to turn pressure into points. The Lions broke out and after some good play from their impressive backs, they crossed the whitewash and added the nudge: 7 - 0 down.
Ian "Wilko" Thompson, however was having none of having none, so whacked over a penalty to reduce the deficit.

However it was not long before the Lions backs were again on the attack: they seemed to slice open the Beests almost at will, even when down to 14 men, and it was not long before they had notched up 2 more trys, neither of which were converted.
Lions 17 Beests 3.

Some forward pressure from the Beests saw the lions conceding a penalty and Wilko stepped up to take the 3 points.
Soon after, following a good rolling maul (one area where we certainly had the advantage), the Herd crossed the line and Rob van der Smatt got up from the floor claiming the score. Wilko again secured the extra points, and the Beests were on the way back. However the Lions were obviously unaware of this, so again cut through the Beeeeeests defence to score another try which was converted: Lions 24 Beests 13.

However the Beests were not discouraged: the forwards started to take the game to the Lions, and started to play more intelligent rugby, sucking in the Lions defence, and sapping their strength. Matt van de Matt and Jodie van Else came on to supply fresh legs: a hammer blow to the Lions, who, already down to 14 men, knew that they still had 15 minutes to go, with no cavalry to come.

Cresswell Coaches burst over for another Beestie try which was again converted by Wilko, who soon added another penalty.

Lions 24 Beests 23, and less than 10 minutes to go.

The Beests attacked: The Lions defended. 3 minutes to go.

The Beests forwards launched themselves at the Lions line, the ball moved to the left, then across field to the right, where S van der Bend was waiting to take a well flighted pass and, with the Lions defence finally too stretched, he was in at the corner for a beautifully worked try. Wilko added the nudge from the touchline.

Beests 30 Lions 24.

And that was how it finished a few moments later.

Though some of the initial back play from the Beests was not of the highest standard, it must be remembered that we have not had the same set of backs for more than one game, (and The Lions had a very usefull bunch). Good heart was shown by the Herd to come back from 15 points down, and the forwards finally wore down their counterparts enabling The Beeeeests to take control for the last 10 minutes.

All credit to Rugby, they never gave up, and could have won: in the end playing for half the game with only 14 men was too much.

The Herd gathered at Haslams, and after prizing Goody away from his raw steak, set off down the M1 to Lutterworth. Unfortunately the directions supplied by Your's Truly turned out to be a bit dodgy (somewhat worrying as they were taken from an official Royal Mail map!!) None the less the Herd regrouped at Lutteworth and after a quick warm up took to the field.

Luttworth attacked from the kick off, but BEEEEEEEEEEStie defence was supreme, and having ridden the storm (that's the Doors Tiz), Cresswell Coaches zipped over for a try. More pressure produced the startling sight of Roban van de Smitt bursting over to score. Jan van de Tompsen adding the nudge. For those who thought that this was as weird as it could get, there was a major suprise around the corner: Mr Blobby aka Elvis who had obviously escaped from his chip shop and dressed up as an ex-Derby hooker, (no, not what's his name who used to be club captain, but the other one who replaced him), burst on to the field, through the Lutworth defence and scored under the posts. Jan added the nudge. There was just time for Goody Three Shoes to add another try which Jan converted, (though the ref disagreed), before the aforementioned official blew for half time. Beests 24 Lutorth 0.

The second half got under way with S-Bend blitzing the Luorth defence with a little help from his friends (thats another one Tiz)again Jan adding the nudge. Elvis's mate then went over for another also converted (yawn) by Jan, and S-Bend scored another, which Jan ............

At this point Lurth finally stirred themselves and taking advantage of some very sloppy Beestie defence (?) drove over for a try near the posts, to which they added the nudge. S-bend then added another, which the impeccable van de Tompsen failed to convert. Final score: Lrth 7 Beests 50

A somewhat scrappy display from the Beests though to be fair Lth fought hard and prevented quick ball. There were some plus points: nice to see JT and Rod back playing, the backs at times producing some good interplay, with Jan kicking well and starting to fit in with the BEEEEEEEEStie style. Alex stepped up for his first game at scrum half at this level and Nick looked good in the centre when he came on.

Rugby next week will be a very different proposition though and a bit more cohesion will be required.

Squad: Rod van de Meer, Ryan van der Moltenlava, Cresswell van de Coaches, Madvandog, S van de Bend, Jan van de Tompsen, Alexai van de Tosshard, Roban van de Smitt, Door van Matt, Marty van de Van, Mikel van de Meeeeds, Goody van de Threeshoes, Ban van Smat, Eldan van de Man, Chip Shop (who's he?), Nick van Anddriveaway.

‘Sunshine on a BEESTY day’

A short trip down the M1 took the travelling herd to Hinckley for this friendly fixture on a beautiful summer’s day.  The main pitch was unusable due to the colour of the grass so we had to play in the back yard!!!! 

The early signs were good as the Beests imposed themselves up front.  This created space wider out for the backs to play exploit.  Only good last ditch tackling prevented a couple of early scores.  The half was marred by a stack of penalties for both teams, of which some offences are still being discussed today.  Thompson put the ball out for a lineout just inside the 22.  The ever hungry Harry Elliott pounced on the loose ball to scamper over from 15 yards.  Burrows missed the nudge.  Martin Dodds seemed to enjoy the fact he was starting a game by making good yards around the fringes.  The only reply of the half came after the ref penalised the midfield defence.  Up until this point, big hits and a great team effort had kept the home side at bay.  The nudge reduced the lead to 2 points.  Both sides made some good yardage through excellent kicking or well worked breaks.  The defences cancelled each other out for the rest of the half. 

The herd still had their heads at the watering hole at the start of the second half.  Basic errors and some interesting decisions allowed Hinckley to capitalise and add 3 points early in the half.  Not too far behind was an unconverted try.  The Beests were more stunned by the missed nudge from in front of the sticks.  Was this our lucky day?  The pack reacted positively with some steady possession.  Rolling mauls and quick ruck ball pulled the defence into offside positions.  Kicks to the corner put repeated pressure on the Hinckley line.  A great lineout take and drive allowed Fitchett to open his Beesty account.  Burrows missed the nudge.  Burrows soon added a penalty from close range to take the Beests into the lead.  With 10 minutes to go the game opened up as both sides pushed for the win.  Some poor decisions by the home team allowed the Beesty pack to rapidly move down field.  Atherton added to the score sheet as he orchestrated a training ground move to perfection.  Again Burrows nudged like a loser.  One last assault on the Hinckley line sealed the victory.  Hard midfield running created attacking ball, and from another line out Fitchett popped up to double his tally.  The nudge was added. 

After a couple of weeks unable to close out a game, the youthful herd started to show glimpses of what is still to come this season.  Another good step on the road to success but there is plenty of room for improvements!!! 

Squad: Burows, Milton, Maddocks R, Hutchinson, Spencer, Thompson, Robinson; Smith, Erwin, Dodds, Mead, Atherton, Fitchett, Elliott, Goodman, Bussell, Perks