Bedford Blues once again left it late in the Championship – but once again came away with maximum points – as another dramatic conclusion saw them beat Cornish Pirates 28-24 in Penzance.
It was Joey Conway’s try with the final play of the game that saw Bedford bring all five points back to Goldington Road and boost Bedford Blues up in to third place after three wins in four Championship encounters.
It was the Cornish Pirates who started the fastest and they had broken the deadlock inside a couple of minutes as Arthur Relton strolled in the game’s first score, leaving the Blues on the back foot.
A couple of big runs from the returning Dean Adamson gave Bedford a foothold in the game, but it took them until the twenty minute mark to first gain parity through a Joey Conway try, and then take the lead via the boot of Will Maisey.
It was nip and tuck for the rest of the half, and despite some excellent defensive work from Alfie Garside, the Pirates had penalty advantage and used it to bundle over with Morgan Nelson getting the final touch.
However, it was the Blues who went into the break with the lead thanks to yet another try in Blues colours for Dean Adamson, and despite Maisey missing a penalty with the last kick of the half, Bedford led 14-12 at the interval.
Last gasp Blues at it again
Another missed penalty from the usually consistent Maisey kicked off proceedings in the second half, while Matt Cannon restored the Cornish lead on 53 minutes as the spare man in another Pirates attack.
Lucas Titherington hit back with a try to level the scores five minutes later, with Maisey’s conversion once again taking Bedford into a two-point lead but with eight minutes to spare, the Pirates nailed a sucker punch.
It was Tomiwa Agbongbon who got the final touch and although it was far from pretty, it gave the home side the advantage as they headed towards a much-needed second Championship victory of the season.
But much like last weekend’s desperate victory against Hartpury at Goldington Road, the Blues did not let up and they built the pressure well into the 80th minute as they struck late to claim a dramatic victory.
A series of penalties saw Bedford inch their way towards the try line and it was Conway who claimed the glory with his second try of the game to tick the scoreboard in the away team’s favour.
Maisey’s conversion barely mattered as Bedford Blues – claiming the bonus point with that try – celebrated another almighty win that takes them up to third in the Championship table.
Elsewhere, Coventry continued their fine start with four victories in four in grinding out a 28-14 win against surprise package, Chinnor while London Scottish also proved their worth once again with a 12-0 away victory against Doncaster Knights.
Ealing are up to second with a Friday night 36-21 win at Nottingham while Hartpury saw off Cambridge 43-10 under the floodlights.
Ampthill condemned Caldy to another defeat, winning 33-19 at the Olney Field in the division’s other encounter.
Bedford Blues are back in action next Saturday as they welcome Doncaster Knights on Ladies Day at Goldington Road.
