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REPORT | Magnificent Blues set up home final
It was a performances for the ages as Bedford Blues ran in six second-half tries to overturn a half-time deficit and claim their spot in the Elior Champ Rugby final, thanks to a 58-24 success over Coventry.
A fantastic team performance, coupled with Worcester's win over Ealing on the Saturday, means it's Goldington Road as the host venue for the showpiece finale on Sunday 31st May (KO 3pm).
Blues Forwards Coach, Cameron Boon said: “Just really proud of the boys for their effort – this has been a combination of all that has gone before this season. The fight they showed for each other in the second half was outstanding and they got what they deserved.
“The most important thing is that the boys really enjoy their rugby and playing for Bedford Blues. You don’t get many finals in your career, not many chances, so we’ve got to give it a good crack next weekend.”
Such was the margin of victory for Bedford that you almost can’t believe they were 12-10 behind at half-time, as Coventry struck early doors from Sam Maunder and added to it from Jack Reeves.
An intercept from Ryan Hutler against the run of play got Bedford in the game but when they dropped the ball over the line on the stroke of half-time twice, you thought they’d live to regret the golden opportunity.
But they were like men possessed after the break. Whatever Rayer had to say, you’d want to hang it in the Louvre.
A penalty from Will Maisey – who scored 28 on the night – got them back in-front and they lit the touch paper and set off at a rate of knots.
It was a party atmosphere by the end of it as club captain, Alex Day got the first try of the second half before Hutler, Maisey, Archie Benson, Toby Thame and Dean Adamson followed suit.
Coventry managed to double their score through a second for Reeves and a late effort from Tom Ball, but they were well off it in the second half and had no answer for their opponents.
Those in attendance were debating whether it was the best performance of the Mike Rayer era. 21 years and a grand total of 612 games to choose from, but you’d struggle to find one better.
Maisey added: “We played the way that we wanted to play so that’s the most pleasing part. The fans were magnificent – we needed them. Just magical.”
