SIX NATIONS | Dream start for those with Blues connection

Posted: 6th February 2022
 

All six players to have formerly worn the Bedford Blues jersey and whom featured in the first round of Six Nations action were victorious from an action-packed weekend of results.

It represented a clean sweep for those with a connection to the #BluesFamily as former Blues Academy graduate, Ali Price helped guide Scotland to back-to-back Calcutta Cups while England U20s - who featured four that have represented the club this season – made a bonus point start as they chase a second successive Grand Slam.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland U20s 22 – 41 England U20s

Bedford born and former Junior Blue, Tom Litchfield, alongside his Northampton Saints teammate Ethan Grayson, both scored their inaugural international tries to help Alan Dickens’ side to a strong victory in the Scottish capital.

Grayson – who was also making his U20s competitive debut – finished off after a superb solo run from George Hendy before Litchfield smashed his way through the Scottish defence having received the ball a couple of metres short of the line.  

Litchfield and Grayson both started, as did second row Tom Lockett, while Hendy and former loanee and Junior Blue, Rob Hardwick both made their impact from the bench.  

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland 20 – 17 England

Gregor Townsend’s side secured their first set of back-to-back Calcutta Cup victories since 1984 with a nerve-shredding victory at a packed and vociferous BT Murrayfield Stadium.

Coming from 17-10 behind with a late hurrah, a nerveless and dramatic penalty from Finn Russell secured the spoils to secure a statement result for a squad who contained British & Irish Lion, Price.

An early HIA - during which his replacement Ben White scored on debut – halted his momentum on proceedings somewhat but he returned to the field to guide the team in at the break in-front before pushing on in the second half.

Could anyone else be involved in the tournament?

Mark Atkinson will hope to be involved for England’s trip to Rome next weekend having been overlooked by Eddie Jones for the inaugural game of the campaign.

Former dual-reg and England captain, Owen Farrell has already been ruled out of the tournament through injury but there is more positive news for his replacement as skipper as former Blues Academy graduate, Courtney Lawes should be back sooner rather than later.

North of the border, former loanee Rory Hutchinson will be looking to break into the Scotland team but he may have to bide his time a little longer with centres Sam Johnson and Chris Harris looking up to task in midfield.

Full Round One Results

Guinness Six Nations
Scotland 20 – 17 England
Ireland 29 – 7 Wales
France 37 – 10 Italy

Guinness U20s Six Nations
Scotland U20 24 – 41 England U20
Ireland U20 53 – 5 Wales U20
France U20 41 – 15 Italy U20