Despite a good performance Beccles were unable to secure victory against fourth-placed Chelmsford although two Wade penalties in the second half did secure them a vital bonus point.

Captain Lake had a hard time selecting his side with everyone fit and keen to play. Paul Wilson returned in the second row and Rix came out of a short retirement to play in the back row. In the backs Payne started at fly-half with Kiwi Williamson in the centres.

An early yellow card for Williamson for a dangerous tackle put Beccles on the back foot and the visitors opened the scoring with a penalty before adding an unconverted try.

With Beccles back up to 15 they started to come back in to the game. The forwards kept the ball tight, led by Musker McIntyre man of the match Rix, who carried the ball with his usual style.

After one series of drives towards the Chelmsford line Rob Wilson was on hand to power his way over for a try. Wade missed the conversion but soon added a penalty to level the scores. However, Chelmsford sneaked another penalty in first half injury time to regain the lead.

In the second half it was all Beccles. Maeer and Murray were introduced from the bench and both made a difference but the hosts could not find a way over the line.

From one attack the ball went loose and Chelmsford hacked clear. Their winger won the race to the ball and was able touch down under the posts for a converted try.

Beccles continued to attack and two Wade penalties got them back within four points. Beccles then went looking for a win and when they won a scrum on the line it looked as if they were going to drive over.

Chelmsford conceded a penalty and Beccles called for another scrum but one of the Chelmsford props went down injured and they had no replacement.

This meant the scrums had to go uncontested and Beccles lost their best chance of scoring a try.