Captain Ryan hits hat-trick to seal home play-off spot

CARNEGIE captain Ryan Burrows was the visitors’ hat-trick hero as they sealed second spot going into the Championship play-offs with an impressive 43-27 victory at Bedford Blues.

He admitted that was hugely important for the Yorkshire club as they dream of a return to the Premiership.

Burrows said: “We needed one point to secure second place and we’ve come away with five so that’s another box ticked and we’ve got Ealing next week to look forward to before the big four games – and we’re hoping we’ll be playing in all four.

“It was huge, second spot gives you a lot, you choose your home leg, you choose where you want to play and when you want to play.”

A see-saw first half saw the lead change hands five times. Joe Ford’s fourthminute penalty was cancelled out four minutes later by Jake Sharp’s, before Bedford grabbed the lead when great work by captain Michael Le Bourgeois earned them a penalty that eventually resulted in Dean Adamson forcing his way over from close range.

Two more Ford penalties saw Carnegie retake the lead only for Pat Tapley to propel Bedford back in front with a wonderful solo effort.

Adamson’s brilliant trysaving tackle put Jonah Holmes into touch, but marauding Carnegie captain Burrows then held off four would-be tacklers to score a brilliant individual effort and Ford kicked the extras to edge the visitors 16-15 ahead.

Bedford twice went close as Le Bourgeois’s electric break petered out and Jordan Onojaife was held up as Ford’s fourth penalty in injury time gave Carnegie a four-point lead at the break.

The second half belonged to Carnegie as Burrows got his second before the impressive Lewis Boyce steamrollered through the middle and fed Holmes to score.

A catch-a-drive Jacob Fields try got Bedford back into it, only for Burrows to complete his hat-trick in the corner moments later.

Sharp ploughed over for the bonus point score. Ollie Stedman was then driven over deep into stoppage time to round off a fine victory.

Blues stalwart Mike Howard said: “It was a big day for me. I’m not the only one leaving but I have been here the longest. I’ve loved my time at Bedford and I wouldn’t change a single thing, it’s just a shame to be leaving really.”