Billericay 5, Beccles 18: Beccles moved to within one win of securing the title and promotion after battling back from a half-time deficit to win at Billericay. The visitors had never won at Billericay and knew they would be in for a tough game even though the Essex side are sitting at the bottom of the table.

Beccles moved to within one win of securing the title and promotion after battling back from a half-time deficit to win at Billericay.

The visitors had never won at Billericay and knew they would be in for a tough game even though the Essex side are sitting at the bottom of the table.

This was the last game of the season for two Beccles regulars - Ling is off to play rugby in Australia and Hoffman is going to America. Both have been important players for Beccles this season and will be missed. Ling started on the bench to give his possible replacement Giddings some game time. King came in for the unavailable Paul Wilson.

Beccles played the first half up the steep slope. The big Billericay team started well in the scrum and some solid driving mauls had Beccles going backwards. Beccles were pinned back in their 22 for long periods. Finally the pressure told and Billericay scored a try from a rolling maul. Billericay kept the pressure on but the visitors' pack started to counteract the rolling maul better and did not allow Billericay to score again, leaving the half time score 5-0.

It was a different game in the second half with Beccles keeping Billericay pinned in their own half. Ling replaced Giddings and Tipple replaced King in the pack. Beccles were soon in front, as they took a penalty and sent it wide to the backs. Williamson picked a gap and went through to score. Wade added a good conversion. This was soon followed by a penalty to stretch the lead.

Beccles added another try when a good line break and pass by Musker McIntyre man of the match Wade on the halfway line put Williamson through. His pass found Gedney who sprinted in to score.

The visitors created a few more scoring opportunities before the end but did not finish them, with Wade's penalty completing the scoring.

Beccles now have a week off from action, but could win the title without playing if both Canvey Island and Wisbech slip up in their game in hand. The more likely scenario is that they can take the title the following week when they entertain West Norfolk.