Biggy Firsts edged out by higher level Queens in Beds Vase semi

Graham Place, the Biggleswade groundsman, had done an amazing job against persistent rain to get the pitch ready.

The Biggy boys were put under pressure when they knocked on receiving the kick-off.

Queens - from the league above Biggleswade - made a point in the scrum, using their strength to push Biggy back and give themselves a good platform for an attack through the centres.

The first wave was defended well but the support play by Queens was too strong for the defensive line, 0-7 just five minutes in.

Biggleswade could see how Queens were going to play, with aggressive running lines being dominated by their forwards.

The home side’s spirit and teamwork was needed to take the game to their opposition.

Strong running lines and slick handling put the Biggleswade pack on the front foot, allowing the team to build confidence as they worked out how to defend against Queen’s game plan.

Biggleswade started to use the width of the pitch.

Persistent attacks were rewarded with an opening in the Queens’ defence, only for the pass not quite going to hand and Biggleswade knocking the ball on just five metres from the line.

A break from Queens’ centre partnership saw them win a penalty close to the Biggleswade line.

Choosing to scrum, the visitor’s scored a well-earned push-over try.

Again Biggleswade camped deep in Queens’ half, testing their defence.

Despite Biggy attacks creating gaps, the home side just could not cross the line.

The half time whistle went, much to Queens’ relief.

After the break, Biggleswade continued where they had left off, pinning Queens deep in their half.

Perseverance in attack was rewarded with a try by Matt Horgan after some great handling along the back line, making the score 5-12.

Continued clashes in the centre of the field showed the teams were far more evenly-matched than was first thought, and the fitness of Biggy showed as more mistakes were made by Queens.

A penalty conceded in the Biggleswade 22 allowed the visitors to kick over the final score of the night, making it Biggleswade 5-12 Bedford Queens.

Although a disappointing result for Biggleswade, the squad were positive about the way they had played as a team and the strength and skill they had demonstrated throughout a tough game.

Biggleswade Seconds drew 24-24 at home to Bourne Seconds on Saturday.

The away side started well but a Biggy penalty kick was sent over just outside the 22.

The slowly improving maul built up a head of steam before a breakaway allowed several pick and gos from various forwards before Jacob Martin went over. Cameron Plant kicked the conversion.

With Bourne looking to gain territory, opportunities for kick returns meant Ethan Sinclair has several great breaks from the Biggy half. One such break saw him sear past several defenders before a lovely draw and pass to Gareth Jones, who popped the ball inside to the supporting Biggy captain Jack Unite.

All this exertion did however take its toll and Bourne were next to score, making it 12-5 at the break.

The second half was again a great contest. Tom Anderson was the third Biggleswade scorer after a mazy run saw him go over despite the attention of several Bourne players.

Bourne hit back with two tries .

Sinclair was next on the scoresheet with another great run, this time down the touchline, eluding multiple Bourne tacklers to take Biggleswade to 24.

In the end, Bourne’s persistence and quality showed and they were able to score and tie the contest.