A late try and conversion ensured the Billericay side of 1999 who lifted the Tetley Bitter Vase at Twickenham grabbed a draw in this friendly.

Several faces were missing from the winning team such as Andy Collings, Nick Glister and points machine Kevin Harman.

But David Draper, Billericay's 1st XV centre and club stalwart Neil Jarvis stepped into the breach along with some guest players.

East London took the lead through the overlapping winger early in the first half but Billericay quickly respond when Twickenham try scorer John Bailey go over the line. Veteran John Stevens converted.

But the London side again broke free to give them a 14-7 half time lead, before an early second half score from East London gave them some short-lived breathing space.

The second half saw the Vase winners revitalised and they were camped on the home sides line for long periods.

Strong running from props Gary Pearmain and Tony Bond pushed the Billericay side up the field.

Locks Steve Clow and Jim Hayter were causing the tacklers no end of problems and flying winger Richie Holdgate was close to breaking free from his markers on several occasions.

Captain Paul Daly powered the pack up the field and set up on the East London line. Quick hands from Bailey fed Jarvis who bravely dived over from yards out.

Strong defence kept further Billericay attacks at bay before the last move of the game saw Richie Schofleid feed Bailey.

His strong run was thwarted but he was able to get the ball away to the on-rushing Jarvis who crashed over the line for his second of the match. Steven converted.

Published Wednesday, January 29, 2003

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