Singing in the Rain

They say it never rains but it pours and certainly for Bedians last weekend this old proverb proved to be true.

Not only was the side missing the injured pair of captain Bannell and the tyro that is Chrissy Hetherington but Prawn O Pork and Jack Johnson were also unavailable.

With a weakened front row, and the teams first choice kicker unavailable the side knew that the game would be tough.

If selection issues were not enough, the heavens decided to open which meant Bedians knew they would struggle to play their normal brand of running rugby.

From kick off however Bedians began well and managed to pressure the home side into their own 22. Despite the conditions, Bedes spread the play well with Aussie Mike throwing the ball around impressively.

Jinner Dave continued his good form of the season so far, continually making in roads into the home sides defence, ably supported by the back row of Rouge, Smegason and Joe.

Eventually the pressure told and it was Jim Bloor who stood up to knock over the opening penalty (showing Aussie and Cheese how it was done!)

Bedes continued to dominate possession and another well taken penalty by Bloor gave the South Manchester side a 0 v 6 lead.

As the conditions worsened the game became fractured and the home side slowly pulled themselves back into it. Some goods forward pressure led to a break down the Bedian left and a score for the home side. With the wide conversion missed, Bedes led 5 v 6 at half time.

The start of the second half saw both teams attempting to increase their physicality and aggression and both packs gave their all smashing into one another.

First blood of the second 40 was taken by Clitheroe with an early penalty, but Bedians kept their heads despite losing the lead for the first time in the game, and with the introduction of Swede began to gain field position.

A series of home offences allowed Bedes to get close to the Clitheroe line and a couple of darting runs from Mark Howard (having moved to 9 after Bloor's departure) almost led to full scores. Eventually the decision was made to take the 3 points and Swede gave Bedians the lead once more.

Clitheroe are a hard working side however and they fought back to take a long distance penalty to regain the lead, and the game headed for a nervous last ten minutes.

When Bedes were awarded a penalty 40 yards out however, Swede stood up and with his golf action technique, took the 3 points on offer.

Superb defence from Paul Makinen and Ryan Keyes out wide (both dealing with the high ball superbly in the difficult conditions) meant that Bedes held on for a 11 v 12 win.

The blues return to Millgate Lane this week, and with players back from injuries and holidays will hope to have a strong side to face Ashton.