The RFU ACE League pits the partner state schools or colleges of all the Premiership clubs against each other in a National League of exceptional quality. Bishop Wand School are affiliated to London Irish

Having had a couple of weeks of well-earned weeks of recovery and recuperation after Stage 1 of the competition, this game kicked off Stage 2 with the league now re-drawn with the leading teams, including Beechen Cliff, going into the top tier, to challenge towards getting to the ACE Final in December.

In a game hosted at Oldfield RFC, in near perfect conditions, Beechen started strongly with an extended period of pressure on the Bishop Wand try line. However, resolute defence from the visitors meant that Beechen had to be content with just a Raff Weston penalty as reward for their efforts.

Having failed to go through them, Beechen switched tactics and played with more width in an attempt to go around them. From one such attack Beechen were awarded a penalty try after the Bishop’s full-back deliberately knocked the ball forward to prevent a certain try. Not long after, centre and skipper James Short scored a second after another expansive attack. Beechen went into the break with a 17-0 lead.

In the second half Bishop Wand dominated possession, and only continuous robust Beechen defence and smart lineout work from lock James Boyle thwarted the away team. Eventually they broke through, scoring two good tries from close range.

The final quarter of the game was a tense affair as both teams threw everything at securing the win. It was Beechen Cliff who prevailed, with Connor Treacey’s late try proving to be critical. The final whistle saw a mixture of exhaustion and jubilation from the Beechen team.

Next week the team play Stourport High School, who were affiliated to Worcester Warriors. Stourport continue to challenge strongly in the ACE League despite the loss of their mother organisation.

Beechen Cliff return to action with a win

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