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MATCH REPORTS | Disappointment for both senior sides
It was a massively frustrating day as both senior sides slipped down their respective tables after defeats on the road.
Both started the day in second position, the men in the Championship and women in NC1, but it wasn’t to be as both failed to win on a disappointing day overall. The positive of Hartpury University also failing to get over the line means Mike Rayer’s side only drop to third, but still behind arch enemy Coventry.
Stamford Women play tomorrow so Eddie Rennell’s team also fall to third - for now - but that could be fourth, dependant on the result that comes from Wymondham. A chance for both to respond next weekend but the tests don’t come any easier – the men face Nottingham at Goldington Road while the women travel to the NC1 champions, Peterborough.
Ipswich Women 26 – 5 Bedford Blues Women
Ipswich leapfrogged Bedford into second spot with a bonus point victory at Humber Doucy Lane in a game that was pretty much won in the opening 20 minutes as the hosts raced into a 19-0 lead.
Blues fought back with valiant effort, Berri Clarke getting one back on her return from injury, but despite having pretty much all the possession after the break they couldn’t find another way through as Ipswich held firm – scoring a breakaway try to secure the bonus point.
A much more united performance than that of last weekend’s trip to Welwyn and the team can hold their heads high for how they were able to pick themselves back off the canvas after being unconsolable last time out.
Ultimately, they did fall to the better side but at least a few more green shoots for them to cling onto ahead of what is going to be an altogether different test next weekend to round off the league campaign.
Doncaster Knights 41 – 32 Bedford Blues
Bedford’s winless run in Doncaster continues for another season, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort as they battled bravely for over 30 minutes with 14 men after Alfie Garside’s red card for a second yellow.
Blues will feel a massive sense of what could have been in a game where they lead on a couple of occasions but ultimately ran out of puff as the hosts eventually made the numbers game count in their favour.
Followers Man of the Match, Fred Tuilagi scored twice; while Michael Le Bourgeois, James Fish and Matt Worley also crossed. They will rue a missed penalty with the last play which would have given them a second point to take back to Goldington Road.
On multiple occasions over the years, Blues have played so well but come away with so little at Castle Park. And so it continued once more, not helped by some uncharacteristic mistakes which gifted Doncaster many of their tries.
No time to cry over spilled milk for either side. Back on the horse next weekend – make sure you’re at Goldington Road next Saturday with tickets available here.
