News
REPORT | Ten tries as Blues thump London Scottish
Dean Adamson scored four as Bedford Blues ran in ten tries to conclude the Championship season in the perfect fashion by thumping London Scottish 62-21 at the Richmond Athletic Ground.
It was the perfect way to celebrate Mike Rayer's 500th game in charge of Bedford Blues as the classic, attacking rugby which he has instilled and championed since day one ultimately saw his team home in triumphant fashion in the capital.
London Scottish were impressive at times and could be a real force to be reckoned with next season but their inability to hold it all together for the full 80 minutes ultimately cost them a second victory this campaign.
It was the hosts who led 21-17 at the break as they edged a real topsy-turvy opening 40 minutes where neither team really held the ascendency for a sustained period as the scoreboard continuously changed.
Scottish struck first in just the fourth minute through Cam Anderson but Blues were soon level through a first in Bedford colours for James Little. The centre - on loan from Ealing - had an excellent game and consistently broke the gain line, including on this occasion to dot the ball down.
Blues took the lead for the first time just before the half hour as in-form Joey Conway continued his purple patch of form. It came from some great work from Jordan Onojaife to disrupt a Scottish lineout and the Irishman did the rest to reach a big hand for the line.
It took Scottish less than three minutes to swing momentum back in their own favour, this time through captain Brian Tuilagi. The wind was causing havoc for their kicker, Dan Nutton but he nailed the conversion for a 14-12 advantage. He later missed with two penalties to extend the lead.
Back came Bedford as Adamson got his first of the afternoon and 95th in Bedford colours. There was smart thinking from Alex Day at the quick-tap penalty to burst in the clear before releasing the flying winger into the far corner.
Scottish scored their final points with the last passage of play to ensure they led at the break. This time it was Morgan Dawes who dove over a ruck to reach the line and Nutton's conversion made it 21-17.
In the second half, Blues released the shackles and completely let rip on their hosts with 45 unanswered points to conclude the 21/22 Championship campaign in the perfect manner.
Oli Stedman started the procession with a smart peel off the scrum to make it 22-21 and from there, Blues never looked back as they stormed to a bonus point victory.
Matt Worley was next to join in on the act as Blues let the ball go through the hands then it was Jamie Elliott's turn to put his name on the scoresheet as he ran in from distance with his trademark turn of pace.
Just after the 70th minute mark, Blues hit the 50-point barrier for the 40th time in the Rayer era. Adamson got his second as his chip and chase worked a treat - courtesy of the post - before Josh Pieterse scored his second of the season to bring up the landmark score.
With Scottish throwing everything at it to try and give their supporters a fitting end to the season, Blues stood and waited before picking off their hosts courtesy of Adamson's pace.
His hat-trick score was quickly followed by a fourth of the afternoon to take him up to 98 Blues tries in total as he desperately looks to join the century club this campaign. He'll now have to do it in the Championship Cup next month; join us as Nottingham head to town on St George's Day! Buy tickets here.
*Matchday photography courtesy of PRIME Media Images*
Teams
BEDFORD BLUES
15. Matt Worley, 14. Pat Tapley (57'), 13. Jamie Elliott, 12. James Little, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey (62'), 9. Alex Day; 1. Joey Conway (62'), 2. Jacob Fields (57'), 3. Osman Dimen (52'), 4. Jordan Onojaife (62'), 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Bailey Ransom (68'), 7. Joe Atkinson (C), 8. Oli Stedman (52')
Replacements
16. Will Biggs (57'), 17. Josh Pieterse (62'), 18. Corrie Barrett (52'), 19. Robin Williams (62'), 20. Tui Uru (52'), 21. Jack Hughes (68'), 22. Louis Grimoldby (62'), 23. Andre Robson (57')
OPPONENTS
15. Cam Anderson, 14. Noah Ferdinand (57'), 13. Leo Fielding, 12. Tom Georgiou, 11. Sam Baker, 10. Dan Nutton, 9. Stephen Kerins; 1. Jake Ellwood (57'), 2. Alex Gibson (58'), 3. Jimmy Roots (57'), 4. Ehize Ehizode, 5. Brian Tuilagi (C), 6. Morgan Dawes (51'), 7. Jack Ingall, 8. Cameron King (57')
Replacements:
16. Tom Petty (58'), 17. Lefty Zigiriadis (57'), 18. Sam Gratton (57'), 19. David Halaifonua (51'), 20. Javiah Pohe (57'), 21. Ed Hoadley, 22. Ed Hoadley (63'), 23. Sam Hanks (57')
REFEREE
Joe James
ATTENDANCE
521
