Fri 23 Aug 2019, 19:45
Bedford Blues raced into a 28 point lead at Goldington Road against Cambridge on Friday night as they kicked off their pre-season, showing that they will be an attacking force to be reckoned with in the coming Championship campaign. Fly half Sam Leeming was peerless of the tee in that first forty minutes, converting tries from Dan Temm and Robbie Smith who each touched down twice. The first from Temm was a beauty as winger Pat Tapley broke at pace and fed the onrushing flanker 9 minutes in. Tapley’s pace was a problem throughout against his former club, who defended resiliently, but the Blood and Sand served notice that their attacking threat is much improved on last term.
Ramaz Rukadze burrowed over just before the break – Ben Penfold converted – and Richie Williams’ side proceeded to blitz the Blues in the second half, scoring three times to keep the result in doubt until the final ten minutes. Joe Tarrant sped through to touch down for number two, Matt Hema hurtled in for the third, Ryan Hutler increased the Blues’ lead, and skipper Andrew Henderson showed his class to get the visitors within nine with seven minutes left. Tapley then scored twice, sandwiching another by Ed Taylor, for the right result on the night, albeit flattering in the end.
