Bedford

15

Lions

By Don Townend

Last week high flying Bedford ran league leaders Rotherham close, but this week they were brought down to earth by a superb Lions performance in both attack and defence.  The fact that Lions came away from this game with no points was solely down to an abysmal performance by referee Martin Fox.  If ever there was a case to continue hunting with dogs, this was it. 

Tim Collier returned at lock for Lions, whilst “Cliff” Richards was given a run at fly half, with Richard Davies continuing at full back where he performed so well against Rotherham.  Ian Ogilvie-Bull came in at centre for the unavailable Alistair Hindmarch, while Will Pilkington took over at flanker for Ben Lewitt who was on England Students’ duty 

Lions started brightly with Mark Edwards launching a high kick that Phil Reed followed up quickly to regain possession.  A raking kick by Cliff Richards put Lions into an attacking position.  This was quickly nullified by referee Martin Fox who awarded a very harsh penalty against Lions for holding on.  This set the scene for the evening as Mr. Fox, ably aided and abetted by the vociferous Bedford scrum half Stephen Bell (Dave Scully eat your heart out!!), turned in a perfect “home team” performance to deny Lions any share of the spoils. 

A free kick was awarded against Lions at the first line out for delaying the put in.  Driving play by the Bedford forwards set up the position, and when Lions were penalised for what we think was entering a maul from an offside position, Bedford fullback James Pritchard gratefully accepted the invitation to put Bedford 3 points ahead. 

Another penalty quickly followed for what looked like offside.  Mr. Fox only seemed capable of waving his arm about aimlessly, which gave supporters of both sides little indication of why decisions were given.  This time James Pritchard’s kick from 40 metres was pulled wide. 

A Bedford player backing into his own man was totally missed by the referee before Bedford were at last penalised for a “wavy arm” offence.  Cliff Richards made valuable ground with the kick.  Lions’ forwards were looking impressive as they drove in to secure several phases of play.   

Eventually the Bedford defence was found lacking as they were penalised for entering a ruck on the wrong side (we think…..either that or Mr. Fox \was doing the Lambada) . Cliff Richards calmly brought Lions onto level terms with the kick.  Lions were looking by far the more resourceful side as Richard Davies made a searing break down the short side.  Mark Edwards was up in support, but was held up over the line for an attacking scrum.   

When Lions were penalised for what appeared to be offside, the usually reliable James Pritchard pushed his 35 metres kick wide.  Now Bedford started to become more prominent with a series of powerful forward drives.  However, they met a determined Lions’ defence until a kick through sought to break the stalemate.  Prop Paul Shadbolt did well to cover back, but a bad bounce of the ball saw him stretching to retrieve it as the Bedford pack arrived in force. 

Shads was hurt in the action and was replaced by Tom Woolrich.  Lions were in inspired form as Chris Jones stole a Bedford line out to clear the danger, but back came Bedford.  A sweeping move saw Chris Bajak in space, but the Lions' spirit was typified as lock Tim Collier tore across field to drag the wing unceremoniously into touch.  Nice one Tim. 

Bedford’s forwards were now starting to exert real pressure, but superb tackling by Lions denied them a score.  More heroic defence followed before Bedford were awarded another penalty.  This time Mr. Fox seemed to signal a deliberate knock on……either that or he was dancing to Agadoo and pushing pineapples!!  It actually looked like the ball was lost in another crunching Lions’ tackle.  This time James Pritchard made no mistake with his 35 metres kick.   

Lions were well worth their lead after a scintillating performance as referee Martin Fox blew for half time as he performed an extract from Swan Lake.  

Half time 

Bedford             6            Lions            15  

Bedford started the second half in determined mood.  Their tactics were obvious as their forwards played simple, but effective, pick up and drive rugby.  However, Lions were equal to the task as heroic defence repeatedly repelled the Bedford attacks.  Eventually Lions were penalised in the shadow of their own posts.  Bedford scrum half Stephen Bell took a quick tap from nowhere near the mark.  As the Lions’ tacklers, who had not retreated 10 metres, prevented a score, referee Martin Fox awarded a penalty try under the posts whilst performing a hand jive.  Lions could not really complain about this decision, but it was scant reward for all Lions’ endeavours.  James Pritchard added the simple conversion to leave Bedford trailing by just two points. 

Bedford’s tails were now up as their forwards drove in once more.  Again Lions were penalised, and again Stephen Bell took a quick tap, again from a position that did not seem to be near the mark.  This time Lions held off the tackle to allow the scrum half a simple touch down.  James Pritchard again converted to give Bedford the lead.   

Lions again drove in, but were again harshly penalised for holding on in the tackle when it appeared that Bedford should have been penalised for coming in from the wrong side.  The Lions’ defence was stretched by a good kick to the corner, but Will Pilkington was on hand to retrieve the situation with an excellent catch and superb footwork to deny the onrushing Bedford attackers.  Again Lions displayed good skills as they moved the ball downfield with a series of powerful forward drives, until the inevitable penalty for another “wavy arm” offence halted their progress. 

Steve Smith now replaced Tim Stannard who had enjoyed a powerful performance at number 8, and Fa’atoto Moananu took over from Bully in the centre.   

Bedford attacked again, but a series of big hits in the centre of the field saw them going backwards and a knock on gave Lions the opportunity to move play back downfield.  Just as Lions were starting to establish position, another outrageous decision by Martin Fox had the Lions’ supporters baying for his blood.  He awarded a penalty for what he seemed to be signalling crossing, but the players were running side by side.  This happened right in front of the travelling Lions’ faithful and I’m sure that Mr. Fox learnt a few new words!! 

Tommy Walsh now replaced Mark Edwards who had taken a blow to the face.  A lovely crossfield kick from Mark Meenan, who had replaced James Shanahan at fly half for Bedford, saw Pete Roberts bundled into touch on his own 22.  Bedford won the line out and drove in, but were again denied by terrific Lions’ tackling……until Mr. Fox again took a hand in proceedings whilst performing a Tango with the touch judge.  Again Lions were penalised, and again Stephen Bell took a quick tap to send replacement flanker Matthew Cook over in the corner as Lions backed off from the tackle.  The conversion from wide out failed, to leave Lions 10 points adrift, and not even a bonus point to show for their efforts. 

More heroic defence by Lions was followed by more fluent attacking play, but unfortunately Lions could not add to their tally before the inept Mr. Fox blew for full time in the middle of a medley from Riverdance. 

Final result: 

Bedford             25            Lions            15

The fact that Lions came away without even a bonus point was a complete travesty of justice.  I do not like to criticise referees, nor do I like to blame defeat on the man in the middle, but Mr. Fox’s performance tonight was nothing short of disgraceful.  Even the Bedford fans agreed that he had “favoured them” throughout the game. To their credit Lions never let their frustrations get the better of them……unlike the travelling faithful who were hoarse by the end of the game after pointing out the error of Mr. Fox’s ways. 

Lions can take a lot of pride from a superb defensive performance and some brilliant attacking rugby.  Bedford’s backs did not put one constructive move together all match, whereas Lions’ backs were a revelation with their incisive running and backing up.   

At last things seem to be coming together for coach Adrian Thompson, and both players and supporters can look forward to the remaining fixtures with eager anticipation.

'Cliff' Richards and Will Pilkington 

Lions team

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Since the beginning of January when this postponed game should have been played, Bedford have extended their lead over Rugby in the National Division 1 table. Their taking a losing bonus point off the leaders Rotherham last Saturday boosted it still more. That performance, to the extent of denying the visitors their usual bonus point, suggests that Bedford could now be close to the peak that they have been aiming for since their rebuild began last season. 

Bedford’s home record remains exemplary with wins against four lower order clubs, Bracknell, Henley, Moseley and Manchester; mid order London Welsh and Birmingham; and top order Exeter. Only Worcester and Rotherham have taken the four points at Goldington Road. 

By contrast, Bedford’s away form has been poor, and, though they have shared the points at Birmingham, Coventry and Rugby, they have lost to Exeter, Moseley, Rotherham, Wakefield and Otley. Since January they have picked up their first two away successes, at Henley and Manchester.  

With the Lions once again suffering from injuries to key players, newcomers that turned into no comers and a disappointing first half against Henley last Saturday, the bookie’s odds against Bedford’s home form giving Rugby a win would be somewhat long. Nevertheless if the Blues can surprise Rotherham maybe we can surprise them. Hope springs eternal etc.  

The Lions supporters will be well outnumbered at Goldington Road but hopefully there should be a good few of the faithful travelling to lend their voices to the Rugby shout. Come and join us, it’s only down the road!