This Saturday sees one of the biggest weekends of rugby league in the town’s history as Bedford Tigers boast sides in the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair game at Bedford Athletic Rugby Club.
The two Men’s sides are both in action in Putnoe Woods from 2pm with the first team looking to build on a superb 20-18 triumph over Brentwood Eels a fortnight ago; a victory that saw them jump up to fifth in the Southern Conference.
This was after Bedford Tigers announced their expression of interest in becoming the 36th side in the professional rugby league setup, understood to be one of eight clubs who have formally applied to the RFL to fill the spot in League One next season.
Read: Bedford Tigers explore Goldington Road ground share in hunt for Super League spot
The Tigers host second placed Wests Warriors at the Ath; a tough challenge as the Chiswick based club have won five of their six league games this season, only losing to league leaders Hammersmith Hill Hoists.
The 2nds are also in action at the same time against Hemel Stags having won two and lost one of their three league games so far this campaign.
They’ll be looking to build on a tight 35-30 victory at Anglian Vipers last time out – the Norfolk side another of the eight sides looking to go pro – as they look to usurp Canvey Knights at the top of the division.
A host of Women’s teams are also in action, with the headline game taking place at 4pm, also at the Ath as the first team take on the Army looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat by a strong Cardiff Demons side last weekend.
The Women compete in the Championship South division alongside The Army, Cardiff and London Broncos.
The 2nd side are also in action as part of a Rugby League Festival, also beginning at 2pm on Saturday at the same venue.
For the Men, the victory at Brentwood not only kick started a so far stuttering campaign, but also provided a timely morale boost against an opponent they have come unstuck against in recent years.
They had not beaten the Essex side in three years, including when the side returned to Challenge Cup action in 2023, and the encounter looked to be following a familiar pattern as the Eels scored the opening two tries.
However, Luke Wilson’s score for the Tigers reduced the deficit to four points with the Tigers’ wingers coming to the fore in the second period as Brad McKenna and Josh Hudson-Lett scored a trio of tries between them and gave Bedford the edge.
James Little’s try sealed the deal for the Tigers after Brentwood hit back to seal the tight win that saw Bedford Tigers up to mid table.
Wests Warriors may well see a tougher test, but with an important win under their belts, there is potential to achieve back-to-back victories on Saturday.
Following the extravaganza of rugby league on Saturday, the action continues into Sunday as the Wheelchair side travel to Woodlands Warriors in Gillingham in their opening league game of the season.
The Wheelchair side beat Sheffield Eagles 52-30 in a friendly in March and now embark on a league campaign of their own in the Championship South, one step away from the Wheelchair Rugby Super League.
They will also face a Brentwood Eels side with Gravesend Dynamite and Medway Dragons completing the five-team division.
The action gets underway at Bedford Athletic Rugby Club at 2pm on Saturday and entry is completely free.
