Bedford Blues Preview

Jamie Crawford
Director of Rugby

Posts: 1,859

Bedford Blues Preview Jan 6, 2015 12:46:07 GMT

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Post by Jamie Crawford on Jan 6, 2015 12:46:07 GMT

Bedford Blues are seventh in the Championship, six points above the eleventh-placed Knights. The Blues have won four and lost six of their ten games played. On the Knights’ ten-game journey, we have won three and lost seven. Only one win v one loss separates the teams plus the Blues have scored five bonus points to our three. En-route the Blues have scored 21 more points and have had 79 more points scored against them. So the points scored difference is in our favour but as always it’s not how many points have been scored as much as how and when points are scored.

The Blues have won & lost 50% of their home games; this is identical to the Knights’ away record.

The ever formidable Canadian International Full Back James Pritchard is their leading point’s scorer with a strike rate of 75% plus he’s already scored four tries.
Bedford have (below) the Championship’s fourth and sixth top try-scorers in the guise of Wingers Dean Adamson and Patrick Tapley respectively.

Collectively the Blues have scored 27 tries. Not surprisingly given Adamson and Tapley's try-scoring, over 81% of their tries have been scored by backs. Only two more of these have been mainly scored by Wingers rather than Centres, which suggests that Adamson and Tapley play Centre as well as Wing. Blues forwards are so far the lowest forward try-scorers in the Championship equal with Plymouth Albion’s. Fortunately for the Knights, 41% of Bedford's tries have been scored at Goldington Road. They have been scored fairly evenly throughout the game with a slight majority in the last twenty as is the norm.
Bedford both score and concede less tries at home, having conceded 42% of their 38 conceded tries at Goldington Road. More good news for the Knights is that only Albion have conceded more tries. Their strongest defence against tries being scored has been by Full Backs and Second Rows.

Blues’ Fly Half Steffan Jones, previously dual-registered with Newport Gwent Dragons has returned following his involvement with Wales in the HSBC Sevens World Series. Jones is now a permanent player for the Blues and his first game not dual-registered will be against the Knights.

Elsewhere:

Jersey (8th; three points above but one win less [eight bonus points]) v Bristol (1st)
London Scottish (3rd) v Yorkshire (Leeds) Carnegie (9th; three points above)
Plymouth Albion (12th) v Moseley (10th; two points above)

p.s. – For example In know it should be Bedford has…, my grammar check keeps indicating that but it’s Bedford the team of players not Bedford the single place.

DONNY, DONNY, DONNY...

Last Edit: Jan 6, 2015 15:10:28 GMT by Jamie Crawford

Jamie Crawford
Director of Rugby

Posts: 1,859

Bedford Blues Preview Jan 6, 2015 15:20:14 GMT

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Post by Jamie Crawford on Jan 6, 2015 15:20:14 GMT

The Blues are full of confidence this year:

Following a fantastic start to 2015 with a superb triumph over Moseley at Billesley Common, Bedford Blues are looking to continue their New Year success as they prepare for another clash with Doncaster Knights at Goldington Road on Saturday 10th January (KO 3pm).

Bedford ran in three tries against their Midlands’ opponents to secure a vital 15-23 away win, making it 17 tries in the last four outings for Mike Rayer’s men, and this Saturday the Blues are seeking the same fate and to continue that fine form when they face the Knights for a second time in front of a home crowd this season.

When the two teams last met, back in November, Bedford were just pipped at the post by the Yorkshiremen and will be hoping to exact revenge in front of their 16th man to further climb up the Greene King IPA Championship table.

In order to ensure Blues’ supporters get the most from their match day, there will be live music in the Blues Marquee following the final whistle with Mark Calder. Sit back and enjoy the atmosphere or chat with fellow supporters and friends about earlier activities on the pitch as Mark Calder offers the perfect background entertainment for all to enjoy.

Live sport will be on the screens from 12 noon as gates open so why not pop up to the upstairs Eagle Bar and sample this weekend’s Guest Ale; Young’s Winter Warmer so don’t miss out as this popular fan favourite makes a return to the pumps this Saturday.

(from their website)

Last Edit: Jan 6, 2015 15:20:34 GMT by Jamie Crawford

Jamie Crawford
Director of Rugby

Posts: 1,859

Bedford Blues Preview Jan 9, 2015 8:29:49 GMT

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Post by Jamie Crawford on Jan 9, 2015 8:29:49 GMT

From Bedford's website:
TOP FOUR STILL IN SIGHT FOR RAYER
Posted: 08/01/2015 - 21:56

Following an eight-point victory over Moseley at Billesley Common on Saturday, Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer was left feeling confident of a top six finish at the end of the season with the top four still in sight.

The Blues got 2015 off to a bright start last weekend, running in three tries against the Midlanders to make it an impressive total 17 from their last four matches and Rayer is looking for another solid performance this Saturday against Doncaster.

“The mood has been great since we got on track after the Cornish Pirates and with every win we get a little bit more confident,” he said. “I think we emphasised going into the Moseley game that it was a great performance against Bristol and our intensity levels were way up there and we were able to cause some real problems.

“Going to Moseley was a big challenge and I think the players really applied themselves and we had an excellent start which gave us a little bit of confidence to kick on. We left one, if not two tries out there which should have made it a bit more comfortable but Moseley’s a notoriously difficult place to go, particularly on that day with the rain, and we had a lot of decisions go against us but we took it in our stride and got ourselves a hard earned four points.”

The win over Moseley followed a superb display against Bristol on Boxing Day as well as two British & Irish Cup wins over Cross Keys and Cornish Pirates.

“The teams’ improvement is down to time and practice really,” Rayer continued. “We had a lot of changes over the summer and it was always going to take us a lot of time. We’ve had a few painful afternoons but I like to think we’ve learnt from them and I think that was our first clean sheet in terms of tries scored against us so it was really pleasing from that aspect.

“Part of the last few weeks has been about having players in form and that makes a huge difference and obviously confident comes off the back of that. Our half-backs were excellent but as much as anything, I think our front row this year has been terrific and we haven’t been able to say that for a long time. It gives us a really have a good platform to play off so long let that continue. We still need to work on all areas of our game but I think we really want to sharpen up our finishing. I think we’re creating chances, which is great, we just need to be a bit more clinical on what we’re doing.

“In terms of discipline, I think some of the penalties in the match were fully justified and in many ways we probably should have had a sin bin. If that had happened then maybe we wouldn’t have given so many penalties away. We got penalised for things that perhaps they didn’t but that’s just the frustration that you have to deal with on the day. To an extent we were pretty patient and got on with it but I think it was more the fact that we started the game so well and obviously Darryl’s try was a real big moment for us and took us two scores clear. We kept giving penalties away right up until the end of the game so all you can do is address that and hopefully the guys learn from that week on week as most certainly they won’t get away with that on any other given day.

Looking ahead to the visit of Doncaster Knights this weekend, Rayer said: “We are aware of Doncaster, their strengths and what they bring to a game having played them twice already this season. Doncaster haven’t won a game in six outings in the league but they did a clean sweep in the British and Irish Cup so obviously there’s a Jeckyll and Hyde aspect to their performances. They’ve got a tenacious set of half backs as well as one of the most in-form fullbacks in the league who has caused us plenty of problems in the two previous games. They’ve got a good team, there’s no two ways about that and they’ll be desperate for the win so we’ve got to make sure we’re as desperate as they are to get the result.

“We won’t be doing anything too different, it’s just about making sure our set piece is in good order, our accuracy is right and hopefully we’ll come up with a couple of different patterns in play to surprise them.

“The game this Saturday is also about performing in front of our fans. With the exception of the dip against Rotherham, our form at Goldington Road has been excellent. We haven’t won every game but we have gradually got better and better and hopefully we can keep on our upward curve, climb into the top half and hopefully knock on the door of the top four.”

They're brimming with confidence but anticipating a hard game. Let's give them more than they expect and make them feel blue. A five-point win might be too much to wish for, I'd be happy with four, go for it Knights.

DONNY, DONNY, DONNY...

Last Edit: Jan 9, 2015 8:37:44 GMT by Jamie Crawford

Jamie Crawford
Director of Rugby

Posts: 1,859

Bedford Blues Preview Jan 9, 2015 12:07:37 GMT

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Post by Jamie Crawford on Jan 9, 2015 12:07:37 GMT

and now their preview (and team):

MATCH PREVIEW V DONCASTER KNIGHTS
Posted: 09/01/2015 - 09:55

Bedford Blues will be hoping to continue the New Year celebrations as they welcome Doncaster Knights to Goldington Road on Saturday afternoon.

The Blue got 2015 off to the best possible start with a 15-23 win over Moseley at Billesley Common and Director of Rugby Mike Rayer is hoping that his side can continue their recent good form against a Doncaster team who have already notched up two B&I Cup wins over Bedford this season.

“The lads are in a good place at the moment, however having played Doncaster twice we know they will come here with nothing to fear. With precious league points at stake for them we have to match their desperation first and foremost and then execute our basic skills well. The new lads are really starting to enjoy the Goldington Rd factor and hopefully that’ll continue on Saturday”

Bedford make just two changes from the team that beat Moseley with Johnny Harris and Ben Gulliver starting in place of Tom Williams and Harry Wells who move to the bench where they are joined by Steffan Jones who joined the Blues on a permanent deal from Newport Gwent Dragons earlier this week.

Starting Line-up:

15. James Pritchard (c)
14. Pat Tapley
13. Mike Le Bourgeois
12. Ollie Dodge
11. Dean Adamson
10. Jake Sharp
9. Darryl Veenendaal

1.Johnny Harris
2. Charlie Clare
3. James Currie
4. Mike Howard
5. Ben Gulliver
6. Justin Blanchet
7. Josh Buggea
8. Paul Tupai

Replacements:

16. TJ Harris
17. Tom Williams
18. Phil Boulton
19. Harry Wells
20. Joe Vandermolen
21. Peter White
22. Steffan Jones

C'mon Knights bring home that win to (hopefully) start our ascendency up the table.

DONNY, DONY, DONNY...

Last Edit: Jan 9, 2015 12:10:13 GMT by Jamie Crawford

oldeknight Player Posts: 281	Bedford Blues Preview Jan 9, 2015 16:04:18 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by oldeknight on Jan 9, 2015 16:04:18 GMT what a signing for blues Steffan Jones hell of a stand off Hillsy has to get out and close him down when he comes on c'omn you KNIGHTS you can do it

martinc Director of Rugby Posts: 1,738	Bedford Blues Preview Jan 9, 2015 20:20:01 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by martinc on Jan 9, 2015 20:20:01 GMT Yes he did, for no other reason than rotation of players I believe. hope we come out firing tomorrow at Bedford.

martinc Director of Rugby Posts: 1,738	Bedford Blues Preview Jan 10, 2015 10:34:19 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by martinc on Jan 10, 2015 10:34:19 GMT He didn't appear to be hurt, thought he had a great game.....

isleonian Manager Posts: 989	Bedford Blues Preview Jan 10, 2015 17:29:24 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by isleonian on Jan 10, 2015 17:29:24 GMT How on earth?

isleonian Manager Posts: 989	Bedford Blues Preview Jan 10, 2015 17:35:16 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by isleonian on Jan 10, 2015 17:35:16 GMT If Plymouth beat Nottingham and Bedford then ............................

isleonian Manager Posts: 989	Bedford Blues Preview Jan 10, 2015 17:48:32 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by isleonian on Jan 10, 2015 17:48:32 GMT And, on current respective forms, it looks as if we'll struggle to beat Worcester away...............?

isleonian
Manager

Posts: 989

Bedford Blues Preview Jan 10, 2015 17:58:48 GMT

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Post by isleonian on Jan 10, 2015 17:58:48 GMT

Bedford Blues maintained their unbeaten start to 2015 but they left it very late to overcome a determined Doncaster Knights side who had led for the majority of the game.

In fact, the winning try came with 15 seconds left on the clock as Jake Sharp found himself out on the right wing to dot down and send the Goldington Road crowd into rapturous applause before James Pritchard tied a bow on the game to convert and make the score 35-29.

Doncaster winger Dougie Flockhart nudged his team ahead in the second minute with a well placed penalty but there were cheers around the ground from the restart when Dean Adamson dumped Knights lock Jon Phelan as he tried to go over the number 11.

Pritchard levelled the scoring in the fifth minute with a penalty of his own before Flockhart and he exchanged penalties twice more to make it nine apiece in the 31st minute.

The visitors benefitted from some lax tackling by the Blues and fly half Piers Francis was able to go from one end of the pitch to the other and set up the opening try. As the back went to ground, the forwards took over and set up a maul and Latu Makaafi bundled his way over with Flockhart adding the extras.

Bedford were still recovering from the setback when Donnie went over for a second five minutes later. The Blues gave away a cheap penalty and Francis sent the ball to touch. The lineout was taken in and the drive took the Knights to the line before Makaafi broke away and rolled over for his second. Flockhart converted and the visitors led 9-23 at the break.

The Blues needed to start well in the second half and set up camp in Donnie’s 22 but were unable to turn territory into points despite Darryl Veenendaal touching the ball down only to be pulled back for a double movement.

Doncaster went on the attack and should have scored a third try when Andy Bulumakau galloped towards the left corner only to be smothered out by the Blues defence. A penalty soon arrived and Flockhart took the points on offer to extend the Knights’ lead.

Something seemed to click for Bedford and all of a sudden there was an urgency to their play which was soon rewarded. The Blues were turning on the style up front before the ball went down the back line to Pat Tapley who spotted a gap. Despite having his legs taken away from him, the forwards were on hand to bulldoze him over the line and Pritchard converted.

Doncaster then shot themselves in the foot when impressive fullback Paul Jarvis was carded. Bedford secured a scrum and found a gap which they exploited but as they made for the line, Jarvis killed the ball a couple of metres out and was sent to the bin.

Bedford made the extra man count and it took just a few minutes before Adamson – who was to pick up the man of the match award after the game – crossed for a deserved try. Donnie had defended superbly up front, but when the Blues won a quick lineout and sent the ball along the backs and with the numerical advantage, Adamson worked his way over in the corner for an unconverted try.

As Jarvis prepared to return, Bedford turned the screw to score their third of the afternoon. Doncaster had the ball in their half but for some reason they went for a chip and chase which didn’t work when Mike Le Bourgeois plucked the ball from just above his head. The centre turned on the gas, but the Knights covered well and dragged him to the floor a couple of metres from the line. Replacement scrum half Pete White popped the ball to Jake Sharp and he went over from close range with Pritchard converting to put the Blues ahead for the first time in the game.

28-26 was always a precarious score line and Doncaster knew that if they could apply some pressure then a penalty may come. Patient build up was the key and the visitors earned a scrum in Bedford’s 22 which then turned into a penalty and Flockhart made no mistake to nose his side back in front with two and a half minutes to go.

The restart was taken in by the visitors and then they slowly inched forward with the hope of retaining the ball and seeing the game out. Bedford weren’t going to roll over though and they piled in and forced a knock on. White whipped the ball out and Le Bourgeois crashed through to set up a great attacking platform. A couple of phases followed before the ball was offloaded to Sharp who scored and Pritchard converted.

Andy Bristow
Water Boy

Posts: 160

Bedford Blues Preview Jan 10, 2015 22:12:43 GMT via mobile

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Post by Andy Bristow on Jan 10, 2015 22:12:43 GMT

Disappointed to say that the knights once again Were masters of their own misfortune.
After some positive play in the first half they came out it seemed to try to hang on to the 17pt lead, if only. We cannot win games with 14 on the field. I just wish the team could play a full 80 with the determination shown from the 70th to the 78th minutes and then have the ability to keep the ball up the jumper to see the game out, second week in a row a win has turned into a loss.
We know that the team are capable of keeping the ball after closing some recent games out with some great handling (Tyndale), why can't we do it to hang on to a winning position. Frustrating isn't the word. A win is a must next week. COYK.