Bees end year on a high

By The Bee Hive
December 23 2013

Bees completed their first double over an opponent of the season with a hard fought win over a resolute Leicester Lions side. However rather than a Christmas cracker of a match, it was more of a turkey with neither side playing the rugby they know they are capable of. On the balance of the possession and territorial dominance enjoyed by the Bees, the result was probably the right one; just! The home sides resolute defence nearly earned them the spoils only for it to be snatched away from them in the dying minutes. The first chance of the game fell to the home side on 4 minutes when Bees defence strayed offside just outside their 22 . The penalty was missed when the ball fell off the tee just as Lions 10, Adam Greendale, had committed himself to the kick . That was the only chance Lions would have until deep in to the second half as Bees took control of the game. However, the visitors struggled to convert that dominance and a Santa sack full of opportunities into points on the board. On 17 minutes, an Ian Briggs penalty just to the left of the sticks hit the posts and then Bees spurned further opportunities to take 3 points on 18 and 25 minutes, opting to kick for the corner on both occasions. However, Lions well organised and resolute defence repelled those attacks and despite being unable to effectively clear their lines, were able to put enough pressure on the visitors to create fumbles and turnovers. The halftime whistle was welcome respite for the 100 or so spectators. Score 0-0 The second half continued where the the first half left off. Ian Briggs was replaced by Alex O'Mally for his first outing of the regular season. Within a minute an eminently kickable penalty was put into the corner only for the resulting attack to be repelled. From the clearance, the mercurial Dai Evans attacked from deep, galloping like a reindeer and put a deft chip behind the Lions defence only to be obstructed as he tried to reclaim the ball. Another penalty was again put in the corner for the catch and drive. Ultimately the ball was grounded on the line but on the blind side of the referee who was not in a position to award the score. A series of scrums ended on 55 minutes with a penalty 15m in front of the posts. As if to underlie the team's seasonal benevolence towards their opponents, Jack Jolly pulled the sitter wide of the left hand upright. Ultimately the game came to life in the 72nd minute. Lions finally managed to march down the field only to knock-on. However an indiscreet boot from Kinsey Stoddard, just on for 2 minutes, saw him receive a sin-binning. From the resulting penalty, Lions opted for the scrum which they secured, played through the phases and used the advantage of their superior numbers to move the ball wide for winger, Luke Veebel to dot it down in the corner on 74 minutes. The extras were missed. 

Bees replied by increasing the pressure on their rivals ultimately securing another penalty. To the surprise of many on the touch line, the option to go for goal was taken. Jack Jolly once again stepped up to take the kick and again the kicking Christmas Fairies deserted Bees as the ball ricocheted off the post. However, the lucky Christmas Elves directed the ball back to the arms of Bees captain Chris Goddard, who drove forward. A series of pick and drives culminated in centre, Steve Leach, crashing over. Oscar Heath stepped up to add the extras.

Leicester Lions tried in vain to work an opportunity to secure a winning score but despite all their huff and puff, Bees saw out the final few minutes to secure the victory. Final score Leicester Lions 5 - Bees 7

Pie & Pint score
No pies .... In fact no kitchen food = no points
Pint .. 2 star for a nice cask Green King IPA