Bedford Blues battled back from a narrow half time deficit to take the double over Ampthill in the Battle of Bedfordshire, as Mike Rayer’s side secured fourth in the Championship table.
That will be their final position regardless of the result of next week’s finale against third placed Coventry; another rivalry that will cap what has been a successful season for all at Goldington Road.
Ampthill may not have been at their best this campaign, but whenever Bedford come to town, they always step up their game and have been a thorn in Blues’ sides in recent years.
Ampthill take control before Blues rally
The first forty minutes were mighty frustrating for Bedford as the hosts restricted them to scarce opportunities, opening up a fifteen point lead of their own.
Matt Gallagher opened the scoring after just four minutes as he dotted down from a driving maul before Lewis Finlay doubled the advantage before ten minutes were on the clock with a run under the sticks.
Hardwick’s penalty minutes before half-time left the scoreline at 15-0 and a rare scoreless half for the Blues looked destined to become a reality before Seán French scored the first of his three tries to drag Bedford back into the contest.
A yellow card apiece for Robin Williams and Josh Smart made the contest fourteen players apiece, before Tui Uru followed them shortly after, momentarily before Will Maisey’s superb tap tackle stopped Ampthill bouncing back in what was a frantic end to a scrappy first half.
It was concluded with French’s second try of the game as Bedford reduced the deficit to just three points heading into the sheds.
Bedford’s running game comes good
It had occasionally turned into a kicking contest; a scenario often avoided by the Blues as they prefer their iconic running style, but they found a way to victory with a superb second forty.
Rich Lane and Joe Sproston exchanged tries early in the second half, as did George Hendy and Tom Bacon as scores started to rain down in Bedfordshire with another classic unfolding at Dillingham Park.
At 27-26, the game hung in the balance but there was only one man who seemed destined to snatch the winner, and it was the Irishman who secured his hat-trick – along with his 20th try of the season – to snatch a dramatic victory at the death.
Ampthill had just one opportunity to hit back, but despite gaining good territory with a penalty, a knock on brought the final whistle and a 33-27 victory for Bedford.
In a slow burner, the second half really came to life and when the game becomes more open, you’d always back Mike Rayer’s men to pull it out of the bag.
Seán French’s form since the turn of the year has been a particular highlight and he’ll look back on some stellar afternoons in blue with just one more game to come against Coventry next Saturday.
Elsewhere, Jersey Reds took a monumental step towards a first Championship title with a tense 19-13 victory over Ealing Trailfinders to open up a two-point lead at the top.
Coventry confirmed third place with a 38-24 victory against Nottingham, Cornish Pirates beat Hartpury and Doncaster Knights comfortably saw off Caldy, 38-7.
At the bottom of the table, London Scottish are in pole position to complete a great escape with a 49-3 victory over Richmond, leaving Steve Hill’s side on the verge of relegation to National One – after the Championship confirmed yesterday that one side will be relegated.
