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MATCH REPORTS | Double Header Derby Delight
Dean Adamson became the first player to surpass 150 Bedford Blues tries as both senior men’s and women’s sides triumphed at Ellgia Fields for the second year in succession.
A try fest in both, Blues retained their unbeaten senior record against the Blood & Sand meaning the women concluded their campaign with a much needed victory, and Mike Rayer’s charges secured five crucial Championship points.
It means just one more victory in the final two league fixtures will see a first second-tier runners up finish since 2011-12. Congratulations to Ealing Trailfinders who were declared Champions with their own victory against Caldy.
Cambridge Women 26 – 31 Bedford Blues Women
The curtain raiser certainly delivered up to expectation with a high intensity, back and forth tug of war that really could have gone either way.
Both sides had their moments in the game but it was Claire Hawes’ late divine intervention that settled the battle with a lovely carry to the line after persistent patience in and around the try line.
Alivia Usher-Harris scored her customary tries, Sasha Fensom got a first in club colours, and a penalty try completed the scoring with a few conversions by the skipper, Lucy Middleton to round off the scoring.
Cambridge were good value and you can see how much they’ve improved in the last 12 months. The centre partnership of Jaz Reed and Kate Willis both scored worldies from within their own 22m, with further scores by Afroditi Ilioudi and Ari Talas.
Massively important to end the 24/25 campaign with a win after a tough end of league season run in. Onto next season with renewed ambition and desire for continued progression.
Cambridge Men 15 – 73 Bedford Blues
For 50 minutes a game that was finely in the balance before a stunning finale saw Blues take the game away from their hosts and make it five on the spin in the Championship.
A 47-0 second half success as the backs ripped into their mesmerising best followed what was a cagey 26-15 advantage at the break, Cambridge showing glimpses of what they could be if they could put an 80-minute performance together.
Adamson scored four to take him up to 151 Blues tries in total, as part of 11 in total. Nine conversions from Will Maisey leaves him in a pretty good spot for the leading marksman in the league – now leading by 29 albeit Harry Bazalgette’s Hartpury play tomorrow to close the gap.
Louis James and Lucas Titherington both scored twice, while Jamie Jack scored his first ever Championship try, plus Matt Worley and James Lennon finished things off.
All in all, a good day all round for Bedford Blues. Onto the Gala Dinner and then two games to sign off the season.
