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REPORT | Derby Day Delight
Bedford Blues made it seven in a row on Derby Day as they battled to a 35-13 victory over Ampthill at Goldington Road.
Not quite as blood and thunder as the 12 tries and 78 points scored in the reverse fixture back in October, but an interesting affair nonetheless as the rain came pouring in for the Battle of Bedfordshire.
Blues Assistant Coach, Jim Henry said: “A challenging first half for us, Ampthill were really up for it. We had some pretty honest words at half-time and there was a big reaction following that so pleasing in the end.
“The conditions caused problems and we probably tried to force it too much at times. Really proud of how the boys found solutions and solved problems – the last try was particularly pleasing for us as coaches.”
It was in many ways a game of two halves in that when either side were heading down the infamous slope, they were the team in the ascendency.
Ampthill passed up one too many chances in those opening 40 minutes, seeing a try ruled out for double movement as well as a number of knock ons with the try line at their mercy.
Two Louis Grimoldby penalties had them in-front, but Bedford fought back and a converted Tui Uru try gave them a one-point advantage at the break.
Former Blue, now Ampthill vice captain, Charles Rylands rather harshly saw yellow for coming in at the side just 80 seconds into the second half, and from there Blues were like a juggernaut to wrap up the bonus point and take the scoreboard away from their visitors.
Joe Hill scored his first try in Blues colours following a solid scrum set, before Tommy Herman and Rory Ward both cut gaps in the defence from close range to dot down.
Both sides traded scores of the highest order to conclude the contest, first Ampthill’s Josh Barton profited from a fine flowing move, then George Worth rounded off the night for Bedford in a move that saw nearly every player touch the ball.
On the occasion of his 100th Bedford appearance, James Lennon added: “To achieve such a milestone at a club like this is particularly special. A huge home support and result, I’m really pleased. We needed to get back to winning ways after a rocky start to 2026 and to do it on a derby day is good.”
