BEs rediscover form

Welwyn 10 Barnet Elizabethans 32

Recording their highest ever victory at this level, Barnet Elizabethans got their London League Division Two (North) campaign moving with their first win at Welwyn on Saturday. In an abrasive game, in which five yellow cards were shown and a Welwyn player dismissed for a second-half assault on BEs flanker Lee Gray, the home side showed their character.

They not only bounced back after the previous week's home reverse, but also kept their cool as Welwyn lost theirs after half time.

With the impressive Goldsmith restored at full back, and back row men Marsh and Robb standing off the rucks and driving forward, this was more like the BEs of old.

While the packs slugged it out, BEs backs had the upper hand over their counterparts to finally repay the forwards for all their hard work this season, moving the ball about at pace and with assured handling skills.

First half tries from centre Dean and Goldsmith following a sweet pass from Borst, and a conversion to a home side penalty gave BEs a 10-3 interval lead.

BEs' lineout work, disrupted against Cambridge, was much improved and several moves initiated from this slick source of supply.

Dean continued to kick his penalty goals in the second half as Welwyn lost their discipline, conceding numerous penalties and losing a player as a result of foul play.

Tries followed from impressive lock Greenwood, rounding off a set penalty move, and Hillard, after a break by Dean.

Although Welwyn, pride stung,hit back during a period of sustained pressure, resulting in a penalty try after numerous BEs offsides, confidence was sweeping through the visitors.

This culminated in a move from behind their own lines, when fly-half Spragg dummied to kick and launched a move the length of the field, with Borst hauled down in the opponents' 22.

The final score was a true reflection of BEs' superiority, and coach Laurence Smith deserves credit for picking up his side after three consecutive league defeats.

This win might have come just at the right time for BEs who can now face the arduous trip to Lowestoft and Yarmouth in the NPI Intermediate Cup this Saturday in better spirits.

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