BEDFORD BLUES vs. NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

NL1 – Saturday, 22^nd September 2007

BLUES 23 – 34 SAINTS

MATCH REPORT

 
Considering Bedford had only suffered defeat at home once last season, their new signings and Esher being newly promoted. I expected a good win for the Blues, but in the end they were lucky to escape with a 2 point win margin at 31 - 29 and were outscored in the try department 4 to 3.

On this evidence and our showing against Moseley, I felt we would be in for a tough game but would come away with another high scoring win. All went well prior to the game. The weather was holding and conditions looked good with the pitch in excellent condition, apart from the infamous slope which must have an effect on away sides.

There was plenty of friendly banter between both sets of fans, both in the pubs, streets and in the ground. Which I am happy to report carried on after the game when we finished up in the “3 Cups” somewhere not too far from the ground.

Back to the game itself. Not sure what happened to J. Howard? Spotted him limping a little with his left boot off as the players walked out. This led to Vassy starting at No.9. By now I am sure many of you will have read various match reports, so I won’t go into too much detail at this late stage. The report on the Blues website is well worth a look [www.bedfordrugby.co.uk] Compared to the Esher match, as well as the large amount of Saints supporters there were also far more Blues supporters around. Let’s hope they enjoyed it and will continue to attend.

The game started brightly for the Blues and they looked impressive. However the first points went Saints way thanks to the reliable boot of Barry Everitt, whose goal kicking was to be flawless all afternoon (would we be here if we had him last season?). As often seems to be the case, we soon allowed the opposition a chance to get the points back and Ben Patston obliged with a well taken strike.

The first Saints try was a pleasure to watch. We were lucky enough to be in the corner to see Carlos weave his magic down the touchline to create the score with some neat and risky handling and passing. When Dave Ward scored yet another try (he just needs to get his throwing in sorted) soon after and the ease with which he seemed to leave the Blues defence behind. I thought we were in for another try fest. Bruce’`s third was a more straight forward move, but I did wonder if the try would be awarded as he took an age to ground the ball. Not certain if it could have been classed as a double movement? But the touch judge was happy and so were we.

The pack however was having a difficult time against a fired Blues, with Jon Phillips to the fore as ever and Nic Strauss causing mayhem on many occasions. At one point Saints kicked a penalty to touch, won the lineout but were driven backwards with ease. Things improved up front in the second half as the Blues tired. Bedford scored a simple try as the first half neared it’s end, with Craig Moir blasting through the middle to remind us of times gone by at the Gardens. 24 - 13 at the break and looking forward to a hatful of tries to come!

Not sure what was said in the dressing room at half time, but I think most of the Saints must have been listening to the England match and forgot to come out for the second period. Bedford on the other hand really went for it and only some heroic defence kept them out. I was hoping not to see too much play at this end of the pitch second half!

The turning point was after constant pressure and pounding of the Saints line. Everitt was yellow carded. Down to 14 men, surely Bedford would kick the penalty to touch and try for the pushover try? No they took the 3 points and in effect relieved the pressure. What relief when Downey glided through for the bonus point try. Now Bedford would tire and the gates would open? Nope wrong again. The Blues just kept coming at us and the pressure finally told with a well worked and taken try by Alex Page. Too little too late, but a warning that not all sides are going to fall away for the last 20 minutes.

In the end another 5 points win and away from home. With Doncaster dropping a point we now top the table by a point. But Exeter have closed in and are looking very good. To sum up, a great day out with some good rugby. Bedford will be disappointed to have not managed a losing bonus point, but will take heart from their performance. The Saints march on, but can do and must do better if we are to keep getting the bonus point wins and on the evidence of the teams close behind us, we will need to.

Alf Bowers.

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