PJF fight back to claim the prize

Playing up the slope at Bec OBs Open View ground PJF set off at a cracking pace that Bec couldn't match. First Declan Williams went over out wide on one side of the pitch and then 5 minutes later Chase Thompson went over on the other side of the pitch. Slick passing moves and a game played at speed had Bec flummoxed and opportunities went a begging. But slowly Bec fought their way back into the game using the advantage of the slope to put pressure on PJF. After a period of pressure and a number of pick an goes Bec managed to force their way over the PJF line. From the restart Bec created more pressure and again PJF conceding far too many penalties allowed Bec to go over again. This time the kick was missed and the two sides went into half time at 12 points a piece.

Playing with the hill PJF were hoping that the Bec opposition would dissipate. But PJF continued to concede penalties and from one penalty on the PJF 22m Bec took a three point lead. PJF woke momentarily and drove down the hill and after several phases of play Jon Osbourne went over under the posts. The extra points were added and PJF had regained the lead. PJF didn't follow up on this success and Bec came back at PJF and after conceding yet more penalties, Bec went over for their third try to retake the lead. The two points were added. Sloppy thinking conceded another kickable penalty and Bec extended their lead to 25-19 which also saw PJF reduced to 14 men after a scuffle in their 22m. It looked as though PJF were going to slip to a third defeat in the campaign. However the sending off suddenly galvanised PJF and after some excellent handling that saw them sweep down the hill PJF ran in close to the post with the bonus point try to see them retake the lead after adding the extras. The bit between their teeth now, PJF were not going to surrender the lead again and soon PJF had Bec pinned against their 22m line. The pressure eventually told and Bec conceded a penalty on the 22m and Pierce Fernando kicked the points and PJF ran out 29-25 winners.

Bec had turned in their best performance of the year to challenge PJF all of the way, but PJF managed to solve the conundrum and re-find the form of the first 15 minutes to run out winners. It was a great watch for the neutral but a wearing one for the PJF supporter. Next up, Old Rutlishians who ran PJF very close at their Morden home ground. The return match at the Pightle is on March 2nd at 14.30. We look forward to seeing you then.