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REPORT | Seven try Bedford kickstart with win
Bedford Blues kickstarted proceedings for the 2023/24 campaign with a solid seven try showing against Swansea which resulted in a 45-35 victory for Mike Rayer's men.
It was the perfect way to begin pre-season exploits in the sense that Blues were able to be back to their free-flowing, effervescent selves at times, but they also had to grind it out against tricky opposition to showcase all sides of their game.
The ability to use 29 players during the contest, constantly bringing fresh legs onto the field, ultimately paid dividends as Blues tested multiple plays and combinations yet still came out on the right side of the scoreboard.
Swansea more than played their part in a game that ebbed and flowed constantly and they'll be a solid side in the Welsh Premiership next season.
Pat Tapley began his testimonial year with a brace, while perennial try scorer Dean Adamson couldn't go a game without getting on the scoreboard. Oisin Heffernan, Jake Garside, Joey Conway and Will Glister also dotted down.
With only centre duo Michael Le Bourgeois and Jamie Elliott unavailable for selection through injury, vital match minutes were put into every other member of the squad and everyone came out unscathed from the attritional battle.
Attentions quickly turn to home action vs Northampton later in the month (Sat 26 Aug; KO 1:30pm). Buy tickets now simply by clicking here as the squad return to home soil for the first time in 2023/24.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Matt Worley, 14. Pat Tapley, 13. Ethan Grayson, 12. Jordan Venter, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Louis Grimoldby, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Jamie Jack, 2. Jacob Fields, 3. Oisin Heffernan, 4. Jordan Onojaife, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Luke Frost, 7. Kieran Curran, 8. Cameron King
Bedford Blues Replacements:
Joey Conway, James Fish, Bryan O'Connor, Robin Williams, Reuben Logan, Aston Gradwick-Light, Jac Arthur, Joe Howard, James Lennon, Will Maisey, Will Glister, Sean French, Jake Garside, Ewan Baker
Swansea RFC Replacements:
15. Brandon Wood, 14. Willis Wood, 13. Joe Thomas, 12. Craig Woodall, 11. Matthew Jenkins, 10. Rhys Jones, 9. Matthew Aubrey; 1. Freddie Chapman, 2. Jamie Cox, 3. Kian Hire, 4. Chris Thompson, 5. Matt Dodd, 6. Jay Baker, 7. Callum Bowden (C), 8. Joe Greaves
Swansea RFC Replacements:
Fin Thomas, Tom Sloane, Ed Thompson, Sam Martin, Dai Francis, Gareth J Rees, Marcus Brown, Will Mahoney
*Matchday Photography supplied by Riley Sports Photography*
