BECKENAHM took a 40-strong touring party to Shelford, newly promoted to London 1, on Saturday and to Upmister, just promoted to London North East 4 on Sunday, writes Neil Millan.

Both games were played in four quarters of 20 minutes and were designed to allow the new coaching team led by Sam Howard the chance to see as many players as possible in action.

Shelford proved to be tough opposition.

With a game already under their belt they proved to better drilled.

Quinny Astin, a Kiwi at 10, controlled the game and made the difference between the sides.

With less possession Beckenham were unable to release their new signing from Westoe in North 1, inside centre Kevin Wilson but he demonstrated that his defence is strong.

Paul Currie returning to play no. 8 was prominent in every quarter he played and it was good Jeff Roberts at tight head return to competitive rugby at Beckenham.

Beckenham were well led on the pitch by new captain Simon Dunford but the game ended 31:7 in Shelford's favour.

Beckenham's try was scored by prop cum second row Seb Bryce from close range and converted by Garry Thomson who played with great promise at stand-off in the third quarter of the game.

On Sunday the squad, bolstered by new arrivals, played another four-quarter game against Upminster.

Upminster, a big side, knew the value of straight, hard running.

This resulted in the first try but this seemed to serve to wake-up Beckenham and they proceeded to score four tries of their own with one in reply to win the game 22:10.

The pick of these came with the last play of the game when returning player Dave Weller, openside, took a final pass from Dunford on the Upminster a line to finish a flowing move which had started in Beckenham's half and involved backs and forwards who kept the ball alive magnificently.

Sam Howard said: "I was very pleased with how things went at the weekend, I had a chance to look at almost 40 players and every one of them put in a good performance.

"Both games were challenging and worthwhile and I now have a much clearer idea of the parts of the game we need to work on before our first league game at Andover September 9."

Beckenham entertain Gravesend at home on Friday evening under lights (kick-off 7.30pm) all support welcome.