Vendome would have stood on the defensive, with the river Norken to be crossed before he could be attacked.

He was, however, overruled by Burgundy, who had nominally chief command.

Marlborough took advantage of the delay, and posted his troops in front of the castle of Bevere, and sent the twelve battalions at Eynes to reinforce his left, against which he saw the main attack of the French would be directed.

He then lined all the hedges with infantry, and stationed twenty British battalions, under Argyle, in reserve.
Crossing the Norken, the French fell upon the Dutch and Hanoverians, who constituted the left wing, and who, though fighting obstinately, were driven back.

Marlborough moved from the centre with twenty battalions to reinforce them, and despatched Eugene to command on the right.
A desperate fight now took place.