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REPORT | Valiant Blues fall to Saints defeat
It was a performance full of endeavour, heart and vigour but ultimately defeat on the scoreboard as Bedford Blues concluded pre-season preparations for the 2022/23 Championship campaign in a 40-26 reverse at Northampton Saints.
Facing a side who came mightily close to dumping Leicester Tigers out in the Premiership Semi-Finals just three months ago, Blues went toe-to-toe with their Premiership opponents and caused a number of problems; particularly in the aerial battle.
Playing on a surface conducive to quality, attacking rugby – arguably the best surface in UK rugby – that was always going to suit Mike Rayer’s side who were first to trouble the scoreboard after just five minutes.
Blues were patient in and around the try line, nudging their way closer before Michael Le Bourgeois put boot to ball and Sean French was on hand to collect and score an outrageous effort.
Saints hit back soon after and led 7-5 thanks to Mike Heywood’s solid set-up at the driving maul. That was to become a useful weapon for Saints, who did control the set-piece battle particularly in the scrum.
The lead was extended just before the 20 minute mark as Matt Arden – who played for Bedford last week v Rotherham – dived underneath the posts in-front of a packed Franklin’s Gardens crowd.
Blues were a nuisance all day with balls in the air as Saints just couldn’t get anything to stick and it was that desire to chase everything sent back at Phil Dowson’s side that gained most of the field position and territory.
Saints were ruthless when they had ball in hand – the main difference between the two sides – and went into the dressing rooms at half-time with a 26-5 advantage thanks to further scores from Sam Graham and Robbie Smith.
Into the second half and Blues were again afforded plenty of time to have a go at their opponents; Matt Worley and Dean Adamson particularly effective after the break when taking the game back at Saints.
The home side were first to make a mark on the scoreboard in the second half as Courtnall Skosan skipped three challenges to dot down in the corner.
Back came Blues with even more vigour and heart and they got what they deserved in terms of the scoreboard with two tries is as many minutes just after the hour. First, Jack Hughes finished off a driving maul then a lovely free-flowing move saw Ed Coulson dot down under the sticks.
Former Blue Tom James completed Saints’ scoring with a neat burst through midfield; but it was Blues who had the last laugh on the scoreboard as Matt Worley continued his purple patch of form when showing great awareness to take a quick tap and sprint home.
A lot to be proud about against Premiership opposition and a useful knock ahead of Coventry in just 13 days’ time to kickstart the Championship campaign.
*Photography by Claire Jones - redhatphoto.co.uk*
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Matt Worley, 14. Sean French, 13. Jamie Elliott, 12. Ethan Grayson, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Michael Le Bourgeois, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Joey Conway, 2. Jacob Fields, 3. Corrie Barrett, 4. Jordan Onojaife, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Luke Frost, 7. Jac Arthur, 8. Tui Uru
Bedford Blues Replacements:
Monty Royston, Jack Hughes, Ed Prowse, Robin Williams, Charles Rylands, Jake Garside, Pat Tapley, Ryan Apps, Ed Coulson
Northampton Saints Starting XV:
15. James Ramm, 14. Courtnall Skosan, 13. Matt Proctor, 12. Tom Litchfield, 11. Tom Collins, 10. Matt Arden, 9. Tom James; 1. Ethan Waller, 2. Mike Heywood, 3. Paul Hill, 4. Lukhan Salakaia-Loko, 5. Alex Coles (C), 6. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Geordie Irvine, 8. Sam Graham
Northampton Saints Replacements:
Emmanuel Iyogun, Alex Waller, Robbie Smith, James Fish, Alfie Petch, Oisin Heffernan, Emeka Atuanya, Alex Moon, Kayde Sylvester, George Patten, Callum Braley, James Grayson, Joel Matavesi, Archie Kean, George Hendy
