Rugby fans were treated to a festival of points at Goldington Road on Friday night, as Bedford Blues cruised past The British Army 73-36 in the annual exhibition match that served as a warm up for both sides ahead of bigger clashes to come.
The Blues face ten Championship fixtures in the next eleven weeks as they look to hold on to second spot in the division, while The British Army are stepping up preparations for the Babcock Trophy against The Navy at the Allianz Stadium in May.
Over a century of points were scored under the Friday night Goldington Road floodlights on an evening of exhibition rugby that included a grand total of 17 tries.
The first came after five minutes as Tommy Herman crashed over from the maul before Rafe Witheat, making his Bedford Blues debut, was on the end of a rare Joe Howard grubber kick to double the lead.
Alfie Garside was next on the scoresheet, finishing off a smart move from the back line before Louis James scored the mythical bonus point try in the corner, with an Army try from former Blues man, Lt Frank Kelly sandwiched in between.
Louis Haley, starting in the number ten jersey, converted all four on an impressive night for the youngster.
It wouldn’t be a try bonanza without a customary score from Dean Adamson, and it was the left winger – returning from an injury lay-off at the right time – who scored the Blues’ fifth as he collected a Witheat kick and ran in to restore try-scoring duties.
It was the visiting Army side who had the last laugh of the first period however, as Hldr Tomasi Vula touched down to reduce the deficit to 33-12 at the break.
Ten more tries in second half
The Army began the second half in the same vein as they had ended the first as Rfn Imi Qorowale touched down for the Army’s third score before Louis James doubled his own try count by intercepting a pass on the halfway line and strolling in Bedford’s sixth.
Spr Jack Johnson responded for The Army but scores from Beltus Nonleh, Joe Howard and a second for Witheat put the game out of sight for the home side.
The tries kept coming as the game drew to a close; Joel Matavesi gaining a deserved score as well as one for Joey Conway but The Army finished the strongest, as Sgt Matt Dawson responded with a consolation for The Army.
The game’s last score also went to the visitors as Cpl Rhys Roberts narrowly found the whitewash to leave the scoreboard at 73-36 on a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining evening for all involved.
While The Army continue to focus on their showpiece event at the Allianz – formerly known as Twickenham – come May, attention for Mike Rayer and his men turn to a sprint finish in the Championship.
First up are a dangerous Hartpury team; one of a few sides in the chasing pack behind Bedford Blues in the race for second place and the Blues will hope to put some more distance between them when they travel to the ALPAS Arena in Gloucestershire on 22 March.
Goldington Road will see Championship action again the following weekend as Bedford Blues host Cornish Pirates on Saturday 29 March. Tickets for that clash are now available to purchase here.
