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REPORT | Blues grind out victory at London Scottish
An absolutely chaotic game saw Bedford Blues wrap up their place in the Top Four thanks to a determined 34-31 victory at London Scottish.
On a day of glorious sunshine, a chilling wind hurtling down the pitch caused an array of problems for both sides with neither ever really able to fully put complete dominance onto the game. If anything, that made proceedings all the more dramatic as the lead changed hands several times and both teams could have come out on top.
In the end, Blues held on with a mammoth defensive set to force the knock on, and when they set a solid scrum to build the platform to kick the ball out - their task was done.
And it was probably a good job that they did seal fourth this afternoon, particularly with Doncaster overcoming Ealing and ready to pounce on any mistake.
Mike Rayer's side weren't perfect, and they will certainly need to up those levels to stand any chance against the champions on the final day, but the way they have ground out the last two results is extremely pleasing. This squad will go to the wire for each other and they deserve their high league position.
There's still an outside chance of third on the final day, but with an inferior points difference to Cornish Pirates and a five point deficit, fourth will more than likely be the finishing spot. For the second season running, Blues have finished above a full-time, professional outfit.
If we were to explain the game blow-by-blow, you'd still be reading tomorrow. So much went on as two sides showed their carefree, attack from anywhere kind of rugby - and you almost had to play with that mentality with that wind causing all manner of problems to the kickers. Fair play to them for nudging over so many conversions.
A customary sloppy Blues start began proceedings before Rayer's side finally woke up - and when they clicked into their groove, it was an extremely good effort as they had the bonus point wrapped up before the break.
Sean French went to 18 for the season with a poacher's finish, Dean Adamson to 130 overall, while Jac Arthur and Cameron King also got in on the act.
That gave a 24-19 lead at the break but Scottish were back level shortly after the restart. From there, it became a real dog fight.
And Blues had to stay in that fight when Robin Williams saw yellow barely 40 seconds after entering the fray following a high shot. They rode their luck a little bit before waiting to pounce, and they did so with deadly venom to take all five points.
Michael Le Bourgeois was outstanding all game and scooped the Followers Man of the Match award; he got the decisive score that added to a Will Maisey penalty ultimately edged the contest.
Scottish had the final chance in attack, but Blues held firm to wrap up the victory - a vitally important one.
