NATIONAL DIVISION 1

Rugby Lions

Lions started down the famous Bedford slope in front of the vociferous main stand of Bedford supporters, opposed on the opposite side by the handful of equally vociferous Lions’ diehards.  It was the Lions contingent who were cheering first as Bedford were penalised almost straight from the kick off and Jason Critchley stroked the ball between the posts.  ( 0 – 3 ). 

More joy was to follow as Rob Hurrell rose to take a majestic catch at a line-out on the Bedford 22 metres line, and the Lions'’ pack drove superbly to the Bedford line.  Unfortunately the maul collapsed at that point, but Lions retained possession but could not force an opening.  However, Bedford were again penalised, this time for offside, and again Jason Critchley confidently struck his kick from 25 metres to extend the Lions’ lead.  ( 0 – 6 ).  

Guy Manson-Bishop, who was having his best game in a Lions’ jersey, looked to have been penalised harshly as he came round a maul to scrag Stephen Gray, but it was Sam Tovo who was given a good talking to by the referee.  No matter who was the cause of the penalty, Ed Barnes planted a lovely kick to the corner and the alarm bells were ringing for Lions. 

However, the Lions’ defence from the Bedford take and drive was solid as a rock with Stomper Stannard to the fore.  However, as Lions held up the attack, the ball was moved infield where Bedford were awarded the scrum in the shadow of the Lions’ posts.  Howard Quigley picked up from the base of the scrum and fed Stephen Gray.  The scrum half arced his way through a non-existent Lions’ defence for a simple try.  A disappointing end to an excellent spell of Lions’ defending.  James Pritchard added the simple conversion.  ( 7 – 13 ). 

Bedford were now starting to get their game together, and Lions’ defence had to be at its best to keep out a determined attack, but a free kick for joining the line-out late allowed Jacques Steyne to clear to halfway. 

Lions were looking a far more organised and committed outfit, and Necky Mee was adding stability to the scrum.  When Lions were penalised for offside, James Pritchard sliced his 40 metres kick well wide. 

Lions were soon on the attack at the other end of the park as Ben Wheeler’s quick thinking from a tapped penalty saw the pack drive deep into Bedford territory.  When the ball was swung wide to the left, desperate Bedford defence was penalised for killing the ball when a try looked imminent.  Jacques Steyne tapped the ball into the corner and the line-out was duly won.  Phil Reed almost wriggled his way over, but superb Bedford defence had Lions going backwards and the danger was cleared. 

Lions were soon back on the attack as a kick over the advancing Bedford defence by Jacques Steyne saw the speedy James Baker almost latch on to an awkward bounce, but Bedford were able to clear.  Excellent ball retention by the home team then saw them moving ominously upfield, and when Lions were penalised for going over the top, James Pritchard converted the easy kick.  ( 10 – 13 ). 

A poor restart by Jacques Steyne allowed Bedford to maintain the pressure, but the Lions fly half redeemed himself with a big hit in midfield to halt the Bedford progress.  Necky was now starting to feel the pace and was looking for a pie break, much to the displeasure of the Bedford grandstand who responded with a slow hand clap.   

Matt Vines shepherded a Bedford kick over the dead ball line, and a quick Jacques Steyne drop out saw Lions back in Bedford territory.  However, it was Bedford who almost broke through as James Pritchard spotted the gap, but Stomper Stannard flung himself to grab a handful of jersey and allow the Cavalry to arrive and retrieve the situation. 

Unfortunately Lions were again penalised in midfield and were marched back another 10 metres as skipper Guy Manson-Bishop queried the decision with the referee……presumably in his own inimitable style!!  Whatever he said he did not endear himself to the Bedford faithful in the Grandstand……nice one Guy!!  Unfortunately James Pritchard stepped up to plant the ball between the posts from 30 metres to bring the scores level.  ( 13 – 13 ). 

Jacques Steyne again failed to get the restart the required 10 metres and Bedford attacked from the resultant scrum.  A kick through caused problems in the Lions’ defence, and James Black conceded an unnecessary penalty as he punched the ball into touch.  Up stepped James Pritchard to give Bedford the lead on the stroke of half time with an excellent kick from 30 metres wide on the right.   

Half time 

Bedford                   16          Lions          13

Lions were looking to start the second half as they had the first.  Guy Manson-Bishop took a brilliant catch from the kick off under severe pressure.  However, Jacques Steyne’s decision making behind the maul was slow and he found himself islolated and conceded a penalty for not releasing the ball in the tackle.  A quick tap saw Bedford advance 30 metres, but a good Jacques Steyne clearance pegged Bedford back 40 metres.  A Bedford player retrieved the ball and took a quick throw to himself that clearly did not go 5 metres.  However, despite the close proximity of touch judge Mr. Sainsbury (I’m not shopping at his place any more!!), play was allowed to go on and Lions were penalised for coming into the resultant maul from the side. 

Again solid Lions defence kept Bedford at bay, aided and abetted by a rock solid scrum allowing Jacques Steyne to clear.  Necky was certainly justifying his selection……pity he can’t last a full 80 minutes!!   

A good series of pick ups and drives by Lions sucked the Bedford defence in, and when the ball was moved wide, Matt Vines almost found a way through, but unfortunately lost the ball in the tackle.  Bedford moved the ball across the backs in their own 22, and a sliced clearance kick bounced favourably for Spencer Brown to gather and race clear.  A chip into space looked dangerous until the impressive Matt Vines raced across to snatch the ball from under the noses of several Bedford attackers.  He then straightened and gained 30 metres with a touchline run.  A kick to the line might have brought dividends as it had in the first half, but Matt decided to cut inside and was swallowed by the cover. 

Bedford were next on the attack, and a planned move in the backs looked to prise an opening in the rock steady Lions’ defence.  Unluckily for Bedford, Stomper Stannard saw the move coming and a crunching tackle earned Lions a penalty as Bedford tried to recover.  Jason Critchley lined up the kick from 40 metres, but his attempt was just short. 

Another penalty for Lions saw Jacques Steyne put in a good kick to the corner.  Lions’ line-out was working well, and Rob Hurrell took the catch and the drive was on.  As the maul was stopped, Sam Tovo peeled to set up an attacking scrum.  Unfortunately, the position was wasted as Bedford put in a big shove and Lions were penalised for standing up in the front row.  Necky was getting tired……time for a pie refuel.   

On came Glen Carson in his place.  Lions also took the opportunity to bring on Ben Smith and Tristan Prosser-Shaw for Ben Wheeler, who had an excellent game in both attack and defence, and Sam Tovo, who looked strangely subdued throughout.  It’s been a while since we have seen anyone Tovo’d, and I for one am really missing it. 

Bedford stepped up the pace, and a quickly taken penalty had Lions retreating rapidly.  However, they regrouped well and ferocious tackling kept the Bedford hordes at bay.  Then came the turning point of the game.  As Bedford moved the ball wide, Lions were penalised for killing the ball.  Unfortunately on this occasion referee Mr. Simpson deemed a yellow Card was necessary, unlike the similar incident in the first half when Bedford got away with just a penalty against them.  Glen Carson was the unfortunate player to make his way back to the bench from where he had just come. 

Lions needed cover in the front row, so Richard List was brought on in place of Ben Smith.  Bedford also made changes, one of which was to replace fly half Ed Barnes with one of last year’s favourite Lions, Cliff Richards. 

Bedford immediately made their extra man count as a Lions were driven backwards in a  scrum before the ball was moved wide.  Lions looked to have the situation covered, but wing Lee Anker suddenly burst clear to squeeze over wide out.  James Pritchard added an excellent conversion.  ( 23 – 13 ). 

Tempers were starting to fray now, and a general fracas in front of the main stand had the residents baying for more yellow cards.  Instead, it was that man Guy Manson-Bishop who just received a good talking to by the referee, much to the annoyance of the Bedford mob. 

Cliff Richards put the penalty into the corner, and although Lions managed to disrupt the Bedford line-out, Phil Reed knocked on in attempting to tidy up.  Lions 7 man scrum was now in disarray, and several drives saw the ball moved wide at pace for centre Mike Staten to stride through a huge gap in the wilting Lions' defence.  James Pritchard again added the conversion.  ( 30 – 13 ). 

Lions now looked a demoralised bunch as more replacements were made.  Matt Hunter came on for his debut to replace Guy Manson-Bishop, who was given a rousing reception as he took his place on the bench.  Guy simply acknowledged the welcome with a huge smile……a job well done.  Jason Critchley, who was suffering with rib trouble, also came off with Alex Taylor taking his place. 

The wheels had certainly come off for Lions at this point as dreadful tackling allowed wing Spencer Brown to burst down the middle.  Flanker Matt Cornish was on hand to take the final pass and stroll in for a very preventable try.  Once again James Pritchard added the conversion.  ( 37 – 13 ). 

Lions were now looking totally disoriented and disorganised but managed to keep Bedford at bay until the final whistle. 

Final result: 

Bedford                   37          Lions          13

A much improved performances all round this week, both individually and as a team.  I have openly criticised Guy Manson Bishop in recent weeks, but today he lead by example.  Equally Ben Wheeler, whom I described last week as “anonymous”, was prominent in an impressive first half.  The team as a whole looked far more committed, and the defence was vastly improved until Bedford ran in their 3 second half tries. 

There was certainly something for the loyal Lions’ supporters (not sure about Fans) to air their vocal chords on in a good first half performance.  Lions must now use this improvement as a springboard to launch the season.  The supporters will be looking for the team to maintain their form of the first half here at Bedford for the full 80 minutes against London Welsh next week.  Come on boys, you owe Matt Vines this one against his old club.

Tim Stannard

Lions team

Last season Rugby opened their season with a home game against Bedford and were lucky to finally share the points in a game they had more or less won by half time. The return game was played at Goldington Road on a crisp Friday evening at the beginning of March after having been frosted off two months earlier. By this time Bedford had drawn two more games but were now safely positioned in mid table. Once again Rugby led at half time (6-15) but with the help of some dubious tapped penalty kicks Bedford this time took all of the points wit a 25-15 win. Rugby’s Full back/Fly half, Chris Richards, who shared the Supporters Man of the Match with Will Pilkington for that game has since returned to Bedford and may be facing the Lions on Saturday. 

With four games played so far Bedford have won their two home fixtures, against Moseley and Wakefield, but they have lost away to Plymouth and Rotherham.  

The Lions will be looking to kick start their season, this will be no easy matter in front of Bedford’s large and passionate home support.