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REPORT | Delight on Derby Day
Bedford Blues made it a very, very Happy Christmas for their ardent and loyal supporters with an outstanding bonus-point victory at Ampthill in the Festive derby fixture.
This was a performance built on steely grit and determination. Blues are renowned for their attacking flair, this was more about defensive resilience to get over the line and make it four bonus point victories on the bounce, and five in total consecutively.
There’s something about this group at the moment that you can really get behind. They leave everything out there and understand just how important Derby Days are, particularly one so close to Christmas.
It wasn’t vintage, and the weather conditions made it so, but they hung in there and waited patiently for their opportunities. They had to execute them and they were pretty much faultless in the opposition 22m to ensure they came with tries, five of them in total.
The game swung on a huge defensive set from Bedford in the middle of the first half with Ampthill camped on the line for 10 minutes before Joe Howard got over the ball and won the penalty. If they’d have scored in that sequence, we could have been writing about a different result.
It was fitting that back row duo, Howard and Henry Pollock, both contributed tries that their performances deserved. It was a super shift from the forwards pack all afternoon and they had huge periods of dominance in the scrum against an Ampthill side renowned for their set piece.
Sean French continued his personal try crusade to ensure he remained Championship Rugby’s most deadly marksman this season. Jamie Elliott also chipped in with his first of the season and a critical score from Louis Grimoldby set Blues on their way in the second half.
It’s been a long time since Blues won five in a row in league competition. Something’s cooking for this group and they need you all on the rollercoaster ride with them.
It was the perfect way to sign off 2023 with attentions turning immediately to the visit from Coventry Rugby on New Year's Day. Tickets still available for the clash at Goldington Road; purchase yours here and pack the stands!
