Biggleswade 0 Vipers 8 Midlands Four East (South) In election terms this result was sensational with a previous winning margin of 51 points slashed to just eight. But after the improvements of recent weeks it was still disappointing that it was not a muc

Biggleswade 0 Vipers 8 Midlands Four East (South)

In election terms this result was sensational with a previous winning margin of 51 points slashed to just eight.

But after the improvements of recent weeks it was still disappointing that it was not a much-needed win.

Biggleswade struggled in the tight scrums until a double injury blow saw a rejig of the front row.

Tom Elcock (strained back) and Colin Forrest (shoulder injury) were replaced by Andy 'AJ' Burke and Karl Marshall.

AJ's bigger bulk immediately made a difference especially as Forrest had not been in peak fitness at the start of the match.

The lineouts too were given another dimension with Nathan Thoday replacing Marshall at the back of the line and providing another jumping option.

Matt Keen was ruled out of the three-quarters line-up so Simon Cooper went to fly-half and Taig Norman returned at full-back.

The revised arrangement was stronger defensively but lacked penetration.

Biggleswade have not scored a league try since early December although Nathan James almost got on the end of a cross-kick from Cooper; the ball just bounced the wrong way.

The first half was all square with no scores whatsoever and it was not until an hour was up that Vipers took the lead.

After an earlier attempt hit the corner flag the winger just squeezed in the corner for the only try of the match. With time running out, the visitors wrapped up victory with a late penalty goal.