Late try helps March Bears secure Premiere Plate glory
March Bears celebrate cup final glory - Credit: Archant
TOM Ratcliff’s late try secured cup final glory for March Bears in St Neots on Saturday.
Club captain Rob Woolard and club president Barry Feetham - Credit: Archant
The Bears beat Newmarket Development 20-19 in a thrilling final of The Greene King Premiere Plate.
A penalty from Jonathan Beavis gave the Bears an early lead but Newmarket took advantage of some poor tackling to score a try in the corner,
The Bears put together a passage of good play between the hard working forwards and backs which created the chance for Ben Pyle to touch down and restore their lead.
With half time approaching the Bears went to sleep and Newmarket took the opportunity to regain the lead with a converted try to go in at half-time 12-8 in front.
The Bears started the second half like a steam train and Beavis powered over for a try, which he converted.
It looked like the Bears would endure heartbreak when, with eight minutes left, Newmarket scored converted try to take a four point lead.
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But the Bears had other ideas. Flanker Jonathan Tulip’s tackle dislodged the ball from the Newmarket player. Jason Mottram picked up the loose ball and off-loaded to winger Ratcliff, who touched down in the corner to give the Bears a one point lead.
With only five minutes to go and history beckoning The Bears defence was tested by Newmarket but they stood firm and left St Neots with the trophy,
