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MATCH REPORT | Blues put to the sword by the Knights
It was an afternoon of disappointment in South Yorkshire as Bedford Blues’ long run without a victory at Castle Park continued with a 24-0 defeat to second placed Doncaster Knights.
A resolute defensive display for the majority of the game showed some positives from the trip despite failing to trouble the scoreboard, but a lack of ideas in attack made a frustrating contest as Doncaster made the most of their opportunities when they had them.
It was only 7-0 at the break as Blues held firm in defence despite Doncaster having at-least 70% of possession. When Blues did get hands on the ball, they were able to get penalties and gain territory, but struggled to assert any dominance with lineouts as they found it difficult within the Donny 22m.
The only time Blues were breached in those first 40 minutes was when the influential Billy McBryde crossed after 33 minutes. It was after clever ingenuity from hooker George Roberts, who recycled the ball well out wide to set the Welshman away.
The scoreboard may suggest otherwise considering the full 80 minutes, but Blues really were staunch in their defence and made Doncaster work for the points they obtained.
Conditions were testing that’s for sure as the wind bellowed across the field and made things difficult. McBryde and his half-back partner Alex Dolly dealt with it better to allow their momentum to continually progress.
The fact Dolly was perfect off the tee proved his adjustment was the best on the field.
Blues had more chances in the second-half but were again guilty of struggling to maintain any kind of pressure within the Doncaster 22m when failing to hold the ball for numerous phases in succession.
A penalty from Dolly kickstarted their points scoring in the second half, and they took the game away from Blues on the scoreboard just before the hour. After a yellow card to Joey Conway, a looping pass set Joe Margetts away who went under the posts.
They continued their scoring with five minutes remaining as McBryde got his second. It was mightily frustrating as a pass went loose in the 22m and the bounce worked out well for the hosts who burst through.
Blues were held up at the death as they continued to battle when trying to get on the scoreboard but it wasn’t to be as a bad afternoon was compounded in South Yorkshire.
*Matchday Photography provided by Claire Jones – redhatphoto.co.uk*
Teams
BEDFORD BLUES
15. Rich Lane (C), 14. Matt Worley, 13. Andre Robson (46'), 12. Jamie Elliott (59'), 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Louis Grimoldby, 9. Connor Tupai; 1. Joey Conway (56'), 2. Jacob Fields (40'), 3. Ed Prowse (46'), 4. Robin Williams (46'), 5. Luke Frost, 6. Bailey Ransom (59'), 7. Joe Atkinson, 8. Tui Uru (59')
Replacements
16. Jack Hughes (40'), 17. Corrie Barrett (56'), 18. Osman Dimen (46'), 19. Jordan Onojaife (46'), 20. Oli Stedman (59'), 21. Geordie Irvine (59'), 22. Reuben Bird-Tulloch (59'), 23. Joel Matavesi (46')
DONCASTER KNIGHTS
15. Harry Davey, 14. Kyle Evans, 13. Joe Margetts (59'), 12. Connor Edwards, 11. Maliq Holden, 10. Billy McBryde, 9. Alex Dolly (74'); 1. Conor Davidson (69'), 2. George Roberts (53'), 3. Andrew Foster, 4. Ben Murphy (59'), 5. Josh Peters (51'), 6. Guido Volpi (69'), 7. Sam Graham (C), 8. Thom Smith
Replacements:
16. George Edgson (53'), 17. Joe Wrafter (69'), 18. Charlie Connolly (69'), 19. Danny Drake (51'), 20. Jack Davies (69'), 21. Joe Green (74'), 22. Fraser Strachan (59'), 23. George Oram (59')
REFEREE
Nicholas Wood
ATTENDANCE
857
