Bedford Blues
Another close one
By Blue Ed
November 11 2013
A narrow away defeat at a muddy and passionate Cornish Pirates isn't on the face of things a bad result ...
It was a forwards battle with Pirates clinching the win thanks to penalties - we really will have to look at that area of our game.
Jake Sharp got our first but Pirates then slotted two before the break and after the game had been held up when a touch judge was injured.
It was all square at the break but the home side had the better of the second with scrum half Kessell going over form a five metre scrum
We got back in tghe game with a converted try from Darren Fearn who was driven over the line, and the agme was there to be won. However, Pirates managed to close the game out.
Cornish Pirates: Cahill (Andrew 70), Channon (Elloway 65), Paver(Prescott 75), Sandford (Patrick 55), Barry, Morgan (C), Cheesman (Conlon 65), Parker, Kessell, Hallett, Goss, Fatialofa (James 70), Riley, Pope, Holland. Replacements not used: Jones. T: Kessell.
Bedford Blues: Steenkamp (Fearn 60), Spurling (Clare 60), Boulton (Cooper 75), Tupai (Howard 55), Gulliver, Armes (capt), Fenton-Wells, Vandermoelen (Barrell 65), Veenendaal (Baldwin 65), Sharp, Morris, Dodge, Burke (Le Bourgeois 75), Edwards.
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Discussion started by Blues Brothers (IP Logged), 11/11/2013 10:55
11/11/2013 10:55
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Here we go. First post
Desperation set in I think.
1. Atkinson playing out of position and it showed. Our most potent threat usually. Should have been remedied half time.
2. Wings. Basset and Stephenson were normally first up from restarts. Not apparent this season.
3. Pirates catching and moving from their restart with no Blues within 5 meters.
4. Pirates on rack last ten mins. We kick the ball away (two or three times) to corner hoping to sneak a line-out. Jake initiative or instructions?
Sorry for the tone of this. Not meant as a criticism but as an observation
Well my ,black Labrador fell in love with the Bedford's doctor's black Labrador down at the Coastguard in Mousehole!
Hope you and your wife and daughter (and two labs!) enjoyed your stay in Cornwall. Was good to talk to on Sunday evening.
William the Labrador sends his love.
Hope you and your wife and daughter (and two labs!) enjoyed your stay in Cornwall. Was good to talk to on Sunday evening.
William the Labrador sends his love.
Yes, it was indeed "another close one"!!
After the highs of recent years, both sides at the end of last season, lost quality players to the premiership and elsewhere.
The wet slippery conditions yesterday, didn't help either team, and the usual flowing rugby was missing from both sides. The final score could have gone either way, although there were two or three "nearly" tries for the Pirates.
Blues lowly position in the table, doesn't really reflect the standard of your side, and like the Pirates, I'm sure the best is yet to come.
It was good to see so many Blues supporters in the "Alexander" pub prior to the game, and I'm sure that our recent return to Sunday afternoon games (from the failed Friday night experiment) ensured that a good weekend was enjoyed down here in the Duchy.
After the highs of recent years, both sides at the end of last season, lost quality players to the premiership and elsewhere.
The wet slippery conditions yesterday, didn't help either team, and the usual flowing rugby was missing from both sides. The final score could have gone either way, although there were two or three "nearly" tries for the Pirates.
Blues lowly position in the table, doesn't really reflect the standard of your side, and like the Pirates, I'm sure the best is yet to come.
It was good to see so many Blues supporters in the "Alexander" pub prior to the game, and I'm sure that our recent return to Sunday afternoon games (from the failed Friday night experiment) ensured that a good weekend was enjoyed down here in the Duchy.
Is there a problem with the coaching methods this season?
One needs to start at the grass roots as this could be one problem.
Additionally losing so many key players at the end of last season, I question why management made hardly any efforts to replace. Financial constraints a possibility?
We appear to have sat back, maybe complacencey crept in with having done so well in previous seasons. We have a team with many players (and don't take me wrong here) who are getting on a bit and whilst their dedication to Bedford is applauded management needs to realise age does play a significant part in any team's structure.
So far Michael LB has not shown his abilities to his full potential. He was scoring consistently for Jersey last season why not for Bedford this?
One needs to start at the grass roots as this could be one problem.
Additionally losing so many key players at the end of last season, I question why management made hardly any efforts to replace. Financial constraints a possibility?
We appear to have sat back, maybe complacencey crept in with having done so well in previous seasons. We have a team with many players (and don't take me wrong here) who are getting on a bit and whilst their dedication to Bedford is applauded management needs to realise age does play a significant part in any team's structure.
So far Michael LB has not shown his abilities to his full potential. He was scoring consistently for Jersey last season why not for Bedford this?
Watched the LV cup highlights after listening to the Blues Game.
The Wasps Vs Sarries game emphasised the quality players we've lost over the years - Neil Cochrane, Josh Bassett, Mo Botha - who've not been replaced. Stephenson also scored for the Warriors.
It's also noticeable that the DR guys we've had over the last few years (Will Fraser, Jackson Wray, Ben Ransom, James Short etc) are getting serious game time at Allianz Park so unlikely to be back at GR anytime soon.
Taken together with the fact that we've got senior guys coming to the end of their careers, it's no wonder we're struggling this year. A major rebuilding phase is needed.
No disrespect to management or players, we've achieved miracles over the years on a small budget, but it happens to all teams eventually.
The Wasps Vs Sarries game emphasised the quality players we've lost over the years - Neil Cochrane, Josh Bassett, Mo Botha - who've not been replaced. Stephenson also scored for the Warriors.
It's also noticeable that the DR guys we've had over the last few years (Will Fraser, Jackson Wray, Ben Ransom, James Short etc) are getting serious game time at Allianz Park so unlikely to be back at GR anytime soon.
Taken together with the fact that we've got senior guys coming to the end of their careers, it's no wonder we're struggling this year. A major rebuilding phase is needed.
No disrespect to management or players, we've achieved miracles over the years on a small budget, but it happens to all teams eventually.
Are we that much worse this season than last?
Is losing by 3 points away at Pirates, having hit the post with a penalty, such a shockingly bad result?
We really should have beaten Nottingham and lost by a single point against Leeds, having missed a few kicks.
This is a tight league and results are showing that. I remain optimistic, but frustrated.
I can't understand why there seems such little focus on possession. We are not selecting our strongest scrum. We seem to get stuffed until the reinforcements come on - Bristol, Nottingham and Pirates. I feel we are playing players who are thought better in open play at the expense of ball securing forwards.
The line out seems to have improved. Bloody good job, couldn't have got much worse. Hopefully, that particular problem is solved.
But, worst of all, we are not respecting possession. I share the despair of "Blue33years" at the kicking away of hard won ball in the last 10 minutes on Sunday.
We need a settled back line and our line breakers in the right place.
........feel better for that.
Is losing by 3 points away at Pirates, having hit the post with a penalty, such a shockingly bad result?
We really should have beaten Nottingham and lost by a single point against Leeds, having missed a few kicks.
This is a tight league and results are showing that. I remain optimistic, but frustrated.
I can't understand why there seems such little focus on possession. We are not selecting our strongest scrum. We seem to get stuffed until the reinforcements come on - Bristol, Nottingham and Pirates. I feel we are playing players who are thought better in open play at the expense of ball securing forwards.
The line out seems to have improved. Bloody good job, couldn't have got much worse. Hopefully, that particular problem is solved.
But, worst of all, we are not respecting possession. I share the despair of "Blue33years" at the kicking away of hard won ball in the last 10 minutes on Sunday.
We need a settled back line and our line breakers in the right place.
........feel better for that.
Best forwards display so far this season, line-out functioned well and we looked good in the driving maul. Down side was our backs, poor display and some of the senior players in the back line didn't show up at all. You have to question team selection, Atkinson was played out of position, he's best in the centre especially when you have a young talent like Booj in the squad, he should have played at F/B. Why Howard was on the bench is beyond me. I think Rayer needs a holiday to refresh and Volland the chance to run the show for a few games.
What we need is to give Mose a bloody good spanking. Fridays game is a MUST win.
Not making the playoffs will be a financial disaster.
Still time to make 4th place I think, just.
Not making the playoffs will be a financial disaster.
Still time to make 4th place I think, just.
It was a very close game and when things are going against you these seem to be the games that slip away. Bedford are a good side, without (quite) the quality of the last few seasons (just like Pirates) due to losing guys to the top flight. All very frustrating, but keep the faith - results will come.
This league is very competitive, with only Ealing looking as thought they are struggling - any team can beat any other on the day. Having said that, LW look the strongest - but play offs may still catch them out.
Good luck for the rest of the season - looking forward to our visit to GR later on. A proper rugby ground and definitely my favourite away venue, especially now that ODP is consigned to history.
This league is very competitive, with only Ealing looking as thought they are struggling - any team can beat any other on the day. Having said that, LW look the strongest - but play offs may still catch them out.
Good luck for the rest of the season - looking forward to our visit to GR later on. A proper rugby ground and definitely my favourite away venue, especially now that ODP is consigned to history.
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