Bedford Blues finished off what has at times been a memorable Premiership Cup group stage with a combative 21-7 victory against Bedfordshire rivals, Ampthill.
Tries from Louis James, Tommy Herman and Fred Tuilagi were enough to see the Blues to 14 points in Pool D of the Premiership Cup, which has seen them beat Premiership high-flyers, Bristol and compete twice against leaders, Bath.
They have also beaten their local rivals, Ampthill twice in two bone-crunching encounters, and this one was no different in a cold and muddy affair at Olney Field.
The home side came out of the traps with intent, but were unable to muster any points despite Luke Frost’s fifth minute sin-bin and they were made to pay as it was Bedford who opened the scoring.
In their first attack forward after a period of defence kept the Mob at bay, Louis James was on hand to dive over the game’s first try, collecting Will Maisey’s grubber kick and touching down.
Maisey converted from the tee to give Bedford a tenth minute, 7-0 lead.
Maisey’s conversion took him past 1,500 career points and his contributions would not end there as he would convert the Blues’ second try which came for Tommy Herman off the back of a rolling maul.
Ampthill’s attacks were largely spearheaded by Byron Sharwood, who made some good territory on occasions, but they wouldn’t get near the Blues’ try line as Mike Rayer’s side went into the sheds with a 14-0 lead.
Bedford’s third try came in the early throws of the second half as Fred Tuilagi powered over, with Maisey converting again but it would be the last of the scores from the Blues who didn’t get a bonus point come the eighty minute mark.
A second yellow card, this time for Tuilagi, assisted in helping Ampthill eventually get on the scoreboard with 66 minutes on the clock with Sharwood providing the final pass for Evan Mitchell to stroll over.
Josh Barton converted, and it gave the home side a new lease of life as they attempted to mount a comeback, having the most of the final fifteen minutes.
They could not find a way through the Bedford defence however, who stood firm once again to hold off Ampthill and seal a 21-7 victory that completes their cup campaign for another season.
In the other fixture in this pool, Bristol Bears held up their side of the bargain in pursuit of a quarter-final berth, but lost out despite running in six tries against pool leaders, Bath in a 40-21 victory.
Bath go on to face Harlequins in the last eight while the Championship is represented by runaway leaders, Ealing who finished second in their pool and travel to reigning Premiership champions, Northampton Saints in the quarter-finals on 1 March.
Newcastle Falcons vs Gloucester and Exeter Chiefs vs Sale Sharks complete the quarter-final lineup.
For the rest of the Championship sides, there is now a long break with competitive rugby returning on 22 March as Bedford Blues travel to Hartpury looking to cement second place in the Championship.
Ampthill host Nottingham, looking to stay out of a relegation battle with Caldy and Cambridge.
Bedford Blues do also host their annual charity fixture against the British Army on 14 March, and you can buy tickets here.
Article updated at 12:50pm on Monday 17 February 2025 to include news of the quarter-final draw
