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REPORT | Blues suffer Hartpury defeat
It was a spirited performance from Bedford Blues as they had to settle for a 18-13 losing bonus point against Hartpury University away at the 4Ed Hartpury Stadium.
Not what they'd have wanted, but maybe more than they thought they'd get at times in the game as Blues had to ride wave after wave of attack with just 12 players on the pitch. Not to continually make the same point as all season, but it's an important one, that point could prove crucial come the end of the season.
Yes, there will be frustrations. The whole game will be analysed to identify a number of key topics - why they couldn't translate first half territory into more points, why they let their discipline slip again away from home, and so it will go on in the review.
Don't think the players aren't hurting. Because they are. But sometimes you have to try and focus on the positives, particularly with the growing injury list which will now at least include James Fish, if not more, following his failed HIA in the first half.
This is a time about galvanising together ready for Derby Day on Friday. No player went out to drop the ball, get a yellow card or give away a try - they all play for the badge and give it everything they've got. Sometimes they'll win, sometimes they'll lose, and as we've seen this season there might be a draw in there for good measure.
Champ Rugby is an extremely competitive league. Coventry, Nottingham and Cornish Pirates all lost as well.
Ultimately Blues stay second in the table ahead of two home games in February, plus a trip to Doncaster Knights where they'll try and arrest their 13 year wait for a victory at Castle Park.
Just the one try will be disappointing considering the amount of time they spent with the ball, particularly in the first half. It was a well worked score to get Fyn Brown over the line in the corner after persistant pressure, and you wonder what might have happened if a yellow card was shown to Hartpury for four successive penalties leading to the score.
And while Blues will feel aggrieved as to just how they ended up with uncontested scrums and 12 men on the field midway through the second half, they'll have to dust themselves down and get ready for a game that regardless of where each side is in the table, it's about more than points with local pride at stake.
Will Maisey keeps creeping towards 1,000 club points, and James Lennon set things up to mark his 100th appearance on home soil next weekend.
Get behind the team and show your support under the Goldington Road Friday Night Lights. Buy tickets here.
