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REPORT | Brave Blues fall to Saints defeat
It was for no lack of effort or desire as Bedford Blues went toe-to-toe with Prem Rugby opponents Northampton Saints, before ultimately falling to a 40-28 defeat at Goldington Road.
A performance that Mike Rayer and his coaching staff will be proud of for the most part, it's pre-season so of course things to work on, but an important hit out nonetheless ahead of what is going to be a blockbuster Champ Rugby campaign.
But most importantly, just a big thank you from everyone here at Bedford Blues to the 4,915 in attendance backing their team, whether blue or green, black and gold. To have that sort of attendance for a pre-season fixture, is a huge testament to the rugby faithful in this area and we are appreciative of the support.
The Mobbs Memorial Match is well and truly secure for the future.
In the end, of course there will be disappointment at not getting the result. Suffering defeat for the first time at home in nine months will be a bitter pill to swallow, as will not being able to chalk up a tenth successive victory.
But there's a lot to like about Bedford at the moment. Not afraid to play their trademark style of play against last season's European finalists, yes it's didn't always come off but that's the point of pre-season.
After a neat try last week, great to have Ryan Hutler on the scoresheet back at Goldington Road, while Louis James finished off a superb team move for the try of the night.
Forwards duo Rory Ward and Oisin Heffernan also scored twice as Crowd Angel Man of the Match, Tom Price nailed all his conversions.
Lots of positives to take from the outing. The scrum looked superb, the lineout and maul is getting back to its deadly best, and there's still those irresistible backs moves thrown in for good measure.
Always a pleasure to host Saints and we wish them well in their Prem Rugby campaign.
Next up for Rayer's men is the Baker Brothers Bedfordshire Cup against near neighbours, Ampthill.
Having missed out on a trophy in this one, the team will be back with renewed hope of a first senior men's XV trophy for 20 years.
