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REPORT | Grimoldby Drop Goal stuns Doncaster
Louis Grimoldby wrote himself into Goldington Road folklore with a sublime drop goal with time in the red to seal a simply stunning comeback in the 32-29 victory over Doncaster Knights.
In truth, it was anything from pretty and by no means a foregone conclusion. Blues were second best for an hour but with a full voice 3000+ Goldington Road, and the slope in thier favour, they roared back from the depths of despair to take a victory that will love in the memory of all those in attendance.
To come from 29-10 down to win is no mean feat. What a way to finish things from a home perspective!
Grimoldby said: “There’s been a joke going around the changing rooms that in the last few games, I’ve tried a few drop kicks, and they haven’t even gotten off the floor! Luckily it went through this time so delighted.
“We never lost hope. The effort was there all game but that final pass or kick didn’t go to hand. That’s how we play so we’re going to make mistakes. But we stayed in the fight and ultimately got our rewards.”
Victory also extended Blues' lead in the battle for the Top Four to seven points over fifth placed Doncaster with two games to go, as Ampthill also slipped up. Four more points will do it from the two trips to London.
A dramatic finish of the ilk served up by Bedford, if we're honest, couldn't have looked farther away from happening after a dreadful first half in which Doncaster controlled every facet of the game.
They were less error strewn, clinical when they got the ball, and showed every inch their full-time nature to take a 24-10 lead into half-time.
James Fish's yellow card for collapsing the maul didn't help, neither did the awardal of a penalty try, plus further scores from Connor Edwards and Archie Smeaton.
Blues didn't really throw a punch but a solo Joe Howard try had them with something to hold onto.
It hasn't been the easiest few weeks for Mike Rayer's side and when they fell further behind thanks to Maliq Holden's try just after half time, even the most hardened of supporter could be forgiven for thinking the worst and anticipating the floodgates to open.
Donny had the bonus point, and you thought all five points wrapped up. But this is Bedford Blues, and you can never write them off.
A sin binning for George Roberts made things a tad easier and Blues fought back to 29-22 thanks to important scores from Cameron King and Bryan O'Connor.
Back came Roberts but soon Doncaster were back to 14 as Alex Dolly was red carded for head on head contact in the tackle. That was the moment Blues needed.
Alex Woolford, who had argued with the referee and cost Blues 30m for backchat, was the redeemer with a big paw to the line and Grimoldby's conversion made it all square.
That set the stage for the greatest moment of the season. Doncaster couldn't find 10m when rushing the kick-off, Blues built the phases and as they say, the rest is history.
Blues Director of Rugby, Rayer added: “Immense relief. As a group, we’ve been through some tough times since Christmas, but they really dug deep. It took a lot of spirit and resilience which we asked for at half-time, and they delivered that in the second half to be fair.”
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