Bedford Tigers solidified their status as one of the top three sides in rugby league’s Southern Conference with a blistering 58-8 victory against bottom side, North Herts Crusaders on Saturday (2 August).
Ten tries, nine of which were converted by the consistent Jack Brown, was more than enough to secure the Tigers’ ninth win in twelve league games – and their sixth straight victory – as they prepare for a play-off campaign that begins at the end of August.
The Tigers secured their play-off berth with another ten try triumph against Bristol All Golds last weekend, with tricky league fixtures against the league’s top two, Hammersmith Hill Hoists and leaders, West Warriors to come.
Read: Bedford Tigers thrash Bristol to secure Southern Conference play-off spot
Saturday’s clash against the Crusaders – who have won just two games all season – was equally as dominant as the try count kicked off from the first whistle, with Elliott Hutchings continuing his good form, picking up his 13th try of the season.
Alfie Hawkhead scored straight from kick-off following excellent work from Henry Higginson to double the lead, before the rest of the side got in on the try action as the Tigers ran riot.
Jack Saunders was the only man to pick up a brace of tries, alongside scores for captain, Jake Tilford, Teddy Davidson, Jensen Monk, George Orriss, Kye Jacobson, and player of the match, Higginson.
The Tigers, in third behind Hammersmith and Wests Warriors, have soared clear as one of the top three in the Southern Conference League, and Bedford will face both in the coming weeks ahead of their play-off schedule.
They will more than likely face next week’s opponents, Hammersmith in the play-off semi-finals, and Rob Ashton’s side will have an opportunity to gain a psychological upper hand as they clash next week in league action.
“It’s a great opportunity to look at ourselves now and how we will fair in those knock out games at the end of next month.” said director of rugby, Rob Ashton ahead of next week’s encounter.
Wests Warriors – who have won 11 of 12 league games – follow the week after as the Tigers gear up for the play-off semi-final which takes place on 31 August.
The Warriors have scored 500 points in the league this morning, aided by a 62-22 away victory against Eastern Rhinos on Saturday, while Hammersmith are equally as proficient, scoring 458 points so far after a 36-4 win against London Chargers.
Next week’s game takes place in Chiswick before the Tigers complete their regular league season back at Putnoe Woods against the Warriors on 16 August.
