Bedians Away Form Continues

After a Christmas break spent in true Bedians style with more drinking than training, a trip to top of the table Thornton Cleveleys was always going to be a tough prospect. Having won all 8 fixtures since their last minute loss in the reverse fixture at Millgate Lane, Thornton Cleveleys were fired up to avenge that defeat and continue their fine run of form.

However it was Bedians that started stronger and from the kick off spent much of the first 10 minutes in the home team's half. With loosehead Tom Ash dominating his opposite number forcing him to collapse that side of the scrum, Bedians piled on the pressure. However as was to be the story for most of the match the resolute Thornton defence held firm and Bedians were unable to convert the pressure into points. A first penalty of many at the breakdown gave the home team a chance to counter and they showed why they have been piling on the points in the last few games with some well executed backs moves that a spirited Bedians defence could not stop crossing the try line.

From the kick off Bedians again started to apply pressure and forced Thornton into wheeling the scrum in an effort to contain the power of the Bedians pack. This time the pressure paid off and a penalty from fly half Michael Rothwell got Bedians back in the game. However, poor control of the ball from the ensuing kick off by the Bedians forwards gave the ball straight back to Thornton, and a swift counter attack saw them add their second try of the game.

With the Thornton forwards punching holes around the fringes, the Bedians line out not firing and little ball for the Bedians backs to use the home team started to pile on the pressure but despite getting close to the away teams try line on several occasions the Bedians defence held firm. The pressure did eventually tell though, and Thornton managed a third try with a drive over from a line out. Again Bedians responded well from the kick off and a second penalty from Rothwell meant they finished the first half within two scores at 18-6 down.

Injuries to two props within the first few minutes of the second half meant Bedians were down to fourteen men. Despite the Bedians backs getting more ball and starting to look dangerous out wide, Thornton made the most of their numerical advantage and started to take a hold of the game running in the first of a handful of second half tries.

The strict referee further rubbed salt into Bedian wounds by sending skipper Steve Bannell to the sin bin for persistent infringements (including a fantastic, if not legal, tackle from a tap penalty), meaning that Bedians spent the last quarter of the second half with 13 men. Thornton took full advantage of this running in several tries out on the wing, where Bedians didn't have the numbers to cover, making the final score a slightly flattering 43-6.

Congratulations to the impressive Thornton team, who we wish all the best in their promotion push. As for Bedians, we look forward to hosting Pendle at 'fortress' Millgate Lane next Saturday hoping to continue the home form that has seen us win 5 out of 6 home league fixtures this season.

Some photos of the match are available on Thornton's website.