News
REPORT | Disappointing afternoon in the capital
Bedford Blues had a disappointing first venture to the capital in 2022 as they suffered a frustrating 22-19 defeat to Richmond at the Richmond Athletic Ground.
The overall assessment of the afternoon highlighted that whoever executed their opportunities was going to come off the better and Richmond utilised their opportunities to secure their first league double over Bedford Blues in the professional era.
Blues made the perfect start by crossing just ten minutes into the game. Pat Tapley made an initial burst before being hauled down, but the ball was recycled quickly to get Ollie Newman over the whitewash for his first of the campaign.
James Kane cut the deficit almost immediately through a penalty as both sides traded possession constantly with neither able to get too much momentum in the game.
Richmond took the lead for the first time just before the half hour as the Championship’s leading try marksman, Mark Bright, continued his purple patch of form for his 12th of the season.
Again momentum changed before half-time as Blues put their noses in-front. Blues implemented a tap and go which Oli Stedman crashed over from and with a fantastic conversion from Will Maisey, Blues led 14-8 at the break.
More solid defence – particularly from captain Rich Lane and George Hendy – gave Blues impetus at times but Richmond were just as robust as momentum swung back and forth again.
Richmond went back in-front after 51 minutes. The driving maul has been the achilles heel for Bedford at multiple times this season and Richmond again profited, this time ex Blue, Huw Worthington going over. Kane’s conversion made it 15-14.
Just before the hour, Will Maisey was smashed into the post as he tried to get the line. He was able to continue but Blues were unable to profit from the scrum meaning possession overturned again.
Blues did go back in-front with their next attack as Tapley continued his amazing streak against Richmond. His dash to the line ensured he made it seven tries in five appearances against the side. Maisey sadly hit the post with the conversion.
The final swing of momentum saw Richmond win the contest. Again it was the driving maul that did the damage as hooker James Hadfield went over.
Blues did get one final opportunity to secure their first victory of 2022 but spilt the ball a metre short of the line which compounded a disappointing afternoon in London.
Next Up: Hartpury University at home next Saturday. Buy tickets now.
*Matchday Photography provided by Claire and Tim Jones - redhatphoto.co.uk*
Teams
BEDFORD BLUES
15. Rich Lane (C), 14. George Hendy, 13. Jamie Elliott, 12. Ethan Grayson (69'), 11. Pat Tapley, 10. Will Maisey (66'), 9. Alex Day; 1. Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi (60'), 2. Jack Hughes (75'), 3. Corrie Barrett (51'), 4. Jordan Onojaife, 5. Luke Frost (75'), 6. Bailey Ransom, 7. Ollie Newman (60'), 8. Oli Stedman (71')
Replacements
16. Josh Pieterse (75'), 17. Joey Conway (60'), 18. Ed Prowse (51'), 19. Robin Williams (75'), 20. Tui Uru (71'), 21. Joe Atkinson (60'), 22. Matt Worley (69'), 23. Louis Grimoldby (66')
RICHMOND
15. Will Kaye (62'), 14. Owain James (69'), 13. Lennoxn Anyanwu, 12. Ronnie McLean, 11. Jake Caddy, 10. James Kane, 9. James Lennon (51'); 1. Jonny Harris (62'), 2. James Hadfield (75'), 3. Jimmy Litchfield (51'), 4. Freddie Hosking, 5. Will Carrick Smith (62'), 6. Huw Worthington, 7. Jared Cardew (69'), 8. Mark Bright (C)
Replacements:
16. Mike Perks (75'), 17. Kurt Schonert (62'), 18. Luke Green (51'), 19. Henri Williams (62'), 20. Ethan Benson (69'), 21. Jack Stafford (51'), 22. Ted Landray (62'), 23. Max Trimble (69')
REFEREE
Sara Cox
ATTENDANCE
1,740
