1st XV
Matches
Sat 14 Sep 2013  ·  North Lancs 2
Didsbury Old Bedians RUFC
1st XV
67
3
Carnforth
Brilliant Bedians send out statement of intent

Brilliant Bedians send out statement of intent

Paul Makinen24 Sep 2013 - 08:45
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Report by Alan Irwin

Old Bedians started their league campaign in style with a crushing victory over Carnforth RUFC. Bedians ran in ten tries over the eighty minutes to the delight of the crowd and racked up a 67-3 score line. This outstanding team performance was fitting as the match was also a Charity Game for The Christie Hospital. The first XV donned pink jerseys for this special fixture, instead of their traditional royal blue strips. The jerseys were later sold off after the final whistle with the proceeds going to The Christie Hospital.

From the kick off Bedians went about their business in a very efficient and clinical manner. The pack led by Captain Steve Bannell created a solid platform for the talented back line to work their magic. The first ten minutes saw several foraging runs by second row Richard Thompson and number eight Jack O’Shea. These carries drew in numerous Carnforth players each time and created space out wide. The first try eventually came on the fifteen minute mark. The opportunist centre Lawrence Smith charged down and gathered a clearance kick by the Carnforth full back and managed to dive over for the opening try. Scrum half Ben Rogerson quickly followed Smith over the try line. The scrum half made a darting break down the blindside, catching the defence off guard and he was then able to saunter in for the try unopposed. Full Back Rob Oliver was next over the try line as he rounded off a glorious spell of back line play to dive over in the corner.

At the twenty minute mark Bedians increased the level of intensity and the backline started to carve open the Carnforth defence. Mike Gallagher calling the shots at fly half strolled over to add to the try tally and then followed up his try by putting centre colleague Vince Betty through a hole in Carnforth’s defence to score. The tries kept on coming and Bedians were relentless in their efforts to produce a big performance. Just before half time Ryan Keyes at 14 rounded off a phase of beautiful back line play to score. However, it was the forwards who had the final say in the half with Second Row Alistair Webley powering over to score from close range, making the score 50-3 at half time.

The half time stoppage allowed Carnforth to re-evaluate their tactics going into the second half. Credit must be given to Carnforth as they became much more competitive in the second half. In the early stages of the half they continuously tested the Bedian defence but never managed to find a way through. Despite their efforts there was little Carnforth could do about Sam Curtis’s try on the sixty minute mark. Curtis beat his man showing great acceleration and dotted down in the corner. The flood gates then reopened and the Bedian supporters were treated to two more scintillating tries. First XV débutante Alan Irwin had been brought on to the wing at this stage and announced his arrival with a début try. With his first touch of the ball Irwin beat three men with some silky side steps to dive over in the corner. Following on from Irwin the ever present centre Lawrence Smith scored a stunning individual second try to round off the match.

A special mention must go to the man of the match Ben Rogerson. The scrum half controlled the game very well and was popping up all over the pitch. He also was responsible for the kicking duties, kicking seven conversions and one penalty to bring his personal points tally up to twenty two. The whole match day squad however, put in a sublime performance and played a great brand of rugby. If this standard can be maintained throughout the season, then great things will be achieved.

As well as contributing to an exhilarating game of rugby, both sets of players came together in the club house after the match to help raise money for The Christie and special thanks must be paid to Carnforth who kindly donated a prize for the raffle draw. Bedians will look forward to the reverse fixture later in the year in the knowledge that another good game of rugby is likely to be played by both sides.

Before that though, the Didsbury side are away to Birchfield next Saturday and will look to build some momentum after what was a great victory. Kick off is at 15:00 and we look forward to seeing all our supporters there!

Match details

Match date

Sat 14 Sep 2013

Kickoff

15:00

Attendance

187

Competition

North Lancs 2
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Club Sponsor - identityFS