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REPORT | Blues valiant in Saints defeat
Louis James and Nathan Langdon both scored first tries in Bedford Blues colours as Mike Rayer's side concluded pre-season with a 36-17 defeat at Premiership champions, Northampton Saints.
It was always going to be a tough ask against the reigning Premiership champions who had their international superstars back available after a Summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
Coming up against a back line containing skipper George Furbank, Ollie Sleightholme, Rory Hutchinson et al... it wasn't a challenge for the feint hearted. But Blues stuck in the fight for the full 80 minutes and posed a number of questions to their superior opponents.
Ultimately, it was Saints lifting the new Mobbs Memorial Trophy but Blues can be proud of their efforts with a number of positives to take.
James has looked a revelation since arriving in the Summer from Coventry and his impressive brace contained his lightning quick start. They were two different tries, the first a neat kick to the corner for Will Glister to set up his fellow back, before patience in the red zone resulted in James going over in the corner.
Langdon's first half try was also an important note and reward for the pack who had to put in a shift throughout the performance - always good to see the driving maul working so well with the youngster profiting to dot down.
Place kicking was again a minor worry, as were injuries to Rory Ward and Dean Adamson, plus a potential concussion for Jamie Elliott.
But all in all, important lessons learnt and Blues will be all the better for the experience of facing two Premiership sides in successive weeks. Mike Rayer's side are ready for the 2024/25 campaign which starts on home soil vs Caldy on Saturday 21st September. Join everyone at Goldington Road; buy tickets here.
