3 from 3 in 2014 for Old Bedians 2s

As the skies clouded over and the gales began to roar, Old Bedians 2nd XV prepared to take on bottom of the table Winnigton Park in the weekend clash at Millgate Lane. With James Kington unavailable, the captaincy again fell to James Hennigan. With a convincing cup win at home against Lymm 4's the previous week, confidence among the squad was ever growing, though Bedes were this week without set-piece stalwart Phil Parker, currently out with a neck injury sustained the previous week.

From the kick-off, Old Bedians, donning their yellow away strip, successfully absorbed some early pressure from Winngnton Park. It was just four minutes gone when Hooker Tom Ash was replaced after a calf strain; Jim O'Neill taking over the hooking duties. Old Bedians continued with phase after phase of aggressive play before captain James Hennigan piled over for the first try of the game. The gales were making any kicking game difficult which was evident with fly-half Steve Cross failing to convert the first try from out wide.

Winnington Park responded well against the home-side, coming close on several occasions, making yards with some aggressive ball-carrying. But solid defending and tackling demonstrated by Bedes was making any penetration of their defensive line more and more difficult. It wasn't long before the boys in yellow responded, and some quick hands following turnover ball allowed veteran full-back Paul Makinen to go over the line for the second try of the game.

Before the whistle blew for half-time, Winnington Park had the opportunity to break for the line and in a passage of play, narrowed the margin to five points going into the break; this giving both teams something to think about at half-time.

The second half saw Old Bedians apply more pressure to the visiting team. As weather conditions deteriorated, a hole appeared in the Winnington defence which winger Jack Rotheram took full advantage of, out-pacing two men on his way to the line to score Bedes' third. Steve Cross may have had a tough time with the boot, but fourteen minutes later secured his own contribution to the scoreline by scoring Bedes' fourth try, cutting a lovely angle at pace. Andrew Welsby entered the fray when Pat Doherty was substituted with mild concussion. Though more accustomed to marshaling a back-line, Welsby's tackling was of an exceptional standard for any flanker.

As the last few seconds of the game drew near, Winnington Park weren't going out without a fight and showed their true colours and passion by securing their second try of the game. Despite the wind howling on, the lively fly-half used it full effect, stroking over a tough touchline conversion with the final kick of the match.

So three out of three wins for Old Bedians 2ND XV in 2014 as they look towards a tough game away to Moore at the weekend.

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