Beating the Blues with something to spare ...

Despite the sight of a certain prop forward’s father back in shorts (it's too early in the year honestly!) there was a large turnout of parents and members of the B Team to watch and cheer on the guys.

Despite having 5 players out injured or unavailable the team started strongly, against what looked like a well drilled Bedford side. Early exchanges gave Bedford the edge, especially in the scrums where they were dominant throughout the game, however our line-breaking, recycling and support work was very good, and we moved purposefully into the Bedford 22. A number of phases later we on their line, and with a pop out of the back of a ruck Harry D took the ball at pace and barrelled over for the first score. This was followed by Alex’s first of 4 conversions.

Having that early score settled the team down, and we started to play some great joined up rugby, with both forwards and backs working well together. Mid-way through the half we were back deep in Bedford’s half when Paddy wrestled the ball free and, breaking a couple of half-hearted tackles, was able to power over and extend the lead further. Our forwards were dominant in the line out and in the loose, and created spaces for the backs to work into, which they did to great aplomb, and our third try game from such a break. After punching a big hole in the Bedford defence the backs set up the forwards for another crash over try by our very own Chris Robshaw, No 7, with Nic doing what Nic does best, picking and going from a ruck and blasting over. Alex made his second conversion giving us a healthy 19-0 as we came into half time.

Having a rain free day and a relatively dry pitch played a big part in the opening try of the second half, which arguably was the best team try of the season so far. Again the early exchanges had made the game ebb and flow and from one of the few scrums that we were able to get quick and clean ball the back line was unleashed. From 10 to 13 each man committed his opposite number and drew the defence in and, in the tackle, was able to offload brilliantly to the next man, thus creating the space for space for Moses to finish in the corner. This was a really good try and a great example of the progress the backs have made over the season, their ability to create space, suck in the defence and release the next man who was coming onto the ball at speed were the hallmarks of this effort. I know the crowd on both sides of the pitch appreciated the move and result. To top it off Alex made the conversion from near the touchline with ball just scraping over the cross bar.

Bedford were by no means overrun and put up a great effort and in the scrums were creating good momentum, however our tackling was strong and committed, (a bit too much on occasion) but we gave away far too many penalties. I lost count the number of times we were penalised for going off our feet at the break down, and the ref quite rightly was beginning to get angry with the infringements.

Our 5th try came from a piece of opportunism from Alex who, picking up a loose ball from a ruck, on turnover ball was able to find the tiniest gap on the wing and he sped away. Once in the clear there wasn’t anyone on the Bedford side who had the pace to bring him down, despite some sterling efforts.

By now both sides were feeling the pace and the game became more ragged and ill-disciplined, and after another infringement Ollie was sin-binned. However, going down to 14 men didn’t phase the boys who adjusted well and stuck to their task.

Our 6th and final try of the day again came from a piece of good fortune, whereby Max picked up the ball which had spilled and, like Alex previously, was able to burst forward. Beating two tackles he broke clear and had enough juice in the tank to go the 50 meters and cross the white line.

By now, being a man down was taking its toll and Bedford were able to create some good platforms but were unable to breach the line, and tempers were getting more frayed on both sides, with the ref quite rightly speaking to both captains in an effort to calm things.

Ollie came back for the last 5 minutes. However we were unable to keep Bedford from scoring in the dying seconds, as with the last move of the game and, after some good play from their forwards who had scrummed well all game, were able to release their backs and they scrambled over for their consolation try.

All in all a great all round effort that, barring some freak results in the final games sees us safely in middle of the Division 2 table, and with 2 games to go against Stevenage and Hitchin which are both winnable, if on form, should see us finish above our nemesis of Harrow.

So well done to all, and onwards and upwards to our next league game next Sunday which is a must win!

Standout moments of the game:

Tom Cooney’s immense tackling throughout the game
Nic and Matt’s work in the loose and in the line out
The entire back line for keeping shape and scoring an outstanding try
Alex’s place kicking and kicking from hand

Written by Rob Hirst