Blues smash six to keep semi-final hopes alive

BEDFORD continued their unbeaten home record this season to keep their outside chances of reaching the Championship Cup semi-finals intact.

A cup clash played with quick tempo and high intensity, the scores were level after a cagey opening 40 before Mike Rayer’s side released the shackles and blew their visitors away to ensure a seventh successive victory at Goldington Road.

Blues assistant coach Jake Sharp said: “We were outstanding in that second half, some great tries and really resilient defence. Half that battle was making sure we guided the energy of the players in the right direction.

“With so many young players in the side, we were probably a little over enthusiastic to start with, but we grew into it and were way more controlled afterwards. A great performance.”

With a combined 22 changes between the sides heading into the game, it was always going to take a while for the sides to gel hence the necessity to put boot to ball on more than one occasion early doors.

Scottish struck first through Will Panday but Blues weren’t far behind with a score of their own as Sean French got his first, then a nice story with a first senior try for Charles Rylands – the former Blues supporter going full circle and dotting down for the side.

After the break Blues came out the fastest and another try for the ages inside three minutes as Pat Tapley – skipper for the night – danced his way through five challenges before giving Jake Garside the simple

job of running home under the sticks.

Back came Scottish temporarily and they had a chance to level following Luke Mehson’s score but Nathan Chamberlain hit the upright.

From there it was all Bedford as Scottish were punished for losing Ed Hoadley to the sin with Blues running in another three scores.

Jack Hughes continued his rich vein of recent form, French scored his second and Joel Matavesi rounded off a strong evening for the home side who continue to churn out results in-front of their loyal and vocal support.

Man of the match, Tom Lockett added: “We felt we let ourselves down at Caldy last weekend, as a forwards pack we knew we needed a response, and we managed to get on top all evening which is really pleasing.”