Backo decision in doubt?

By Elliott Josypenko
January 6 2005

Pertemps Bees fans received two pieces of good news from one game after Nick Baxter revealed he may not retire at the end of the season as originally planned

As well as picking up their first win for two months against Henley on Sunday, Bees also learned that Baxter, the all-time leading tryscorer in National One, was considering extending his career after discussions with the club's director of rugby, Phil Maynard.

The winger had stated in September that, because of work commitments and the increasing physical demands of the sport, he intended this campaign to be his last but, having missed most of Bees' winless spell through injury, he seems set to reconsider.

And indicative of the manner in which he scored his try against the Hawks, the timing of the announcement is impeccable. Baxter said: "Maynard and I have had a chat about it and, at the moment, it looks like he has got his wicked way and got me for another year.

"He has not really said anything that persuasive, he has bullied me into it really.

"We will have a chat at the end of the season. It is fair to say I am a little less certain than I was about retiring." That will come as a massive boost to the club, who have struggled for bodies for most of this season and can ill-afford to lose their most proven match-winner.

Before he injured his thigh while on duty with the Barbarians in November, the 30-year-old looked back to his best, scoring seven tries in eight league games.

Although it will take him time to return to full fitness, his finishing quality was clear to see in the 30-22 win over Henley.

Bees were only one try up early in the second half when the former Worcester man cut through the visitors' defence to touch down close to the posts.

The score sent Bees' confidence soaring and paved the way for their first league victory since October.

Maynard will be delighted that there could be more to come next season.