Bedes Bounce Back!

Bedes Bounce Back!

After last week’s agonising defeat the Bedes were determined to put that disappointment behind them and bounce back with a win. This week’s stern test was provided with a long away trip to Shropshire to play Whitchurch RFC. The early meet at the club was welcomed with some jaded faces and even brought some early morning drinkers to the fore (Dan ‘The Bede’ Mollitt).

Pre-match physical preparation started in the club car park where an intense warm up of carrying firewood over 5 metres really got the ‘guns’ bulging for the match ahead. After this workout, the players then loaded their beers (and kit) onto the coach and took their seats for the trip ahead. Before the off, ‘Big Aids’ the bus driver reassured all players that the bus was completely safe by pointing out every conceivable fire exit. This reassurance was much appreciated by all players and really helped them to focus on the match ahead. However, the driver’s disregard for diversion signs meant that the scenic journey taken to Whitchurch resulted in a slightly later than expected arrival. Nevertheless, the Bedes remained focussed and a quick warm-up consisting of dynamic stretching and one or maybe two run-throughs got the lads just about ready for the match.

Rather characteristicly, considering last week’s performance, the game kicked off with an explosive start from the Bedians. Some early pressure and a clearance kick by the Whitchurch full back resulted in a running collection by the Bedes full back Ryan ‘Brian Cheese’ Keyes who burst through two would-be tacklers, then subsequently chipped the ball over the winger to gather the ball and flop over the line. This classy finish was wonderfully summed up post-match as “pure stilton cheese” (compared to his later ‘Tesco Value Slices’ forward pass, obviously mistaking full-back for quarter-back). The 0-5 lead was extended to 0-7 with an excellent kick by Richard ‘Tommo’ Tomlinson who showed everyone that he had his kicking boots on. Despite this early lead, the opposition showed great character and came straight back scoring an excellent well-worked try in the corner to narrow the score to 5-7 after a failed conversion attempt. A second scrappy try was conceded by the Bedes, with some missed tackles leading to a simple run-in for the Whitchurch captain who touched down under the posts. This misery was further compounded when the opposite winger touched down in the other corner following another break and the task ahead become even more difficult with a half time scoreline of 17-7.

The boys rallied around at half-time and some stern words from Captain Steve ‘Stevie Cook’ Cook, and the thought of a potential miserable journey home (‘boringbus’) really fired-up everyone. The second half, however, started as the first half had ended, and some handling errors, missed tackles and forced passes meant that further patience was still required. This was compounded as Bedians were dealt a bitter blow with a penalty try being awarded after a first phase ruck which left both teams and supporters perplexed! Whitchurch now led by a seemingly unassailable 24 points to 7.

Eventually though, Bedes got their heads on and started to play. The next 25 minutes were a complete contrast to the previous 25, with strong direct running by the forwards giving the backs opportunities to develop holes in their opponents’ defensive line. The character of the side was superb in this phase of the game, and the pressure Bedes were exerting soon told when some good off-loading eventually led to a mismatch out wide and an arcing run and expert finish by Paul ‘Pauly Mak’ Makinen brought the score back to 24-12, with Richard ‘Tommo’ Tomlinson’s conversion unluckily striking the upright. The game was now back on!

Bedes again upped their aggression in the contact area, and Stuart ‘Big Stu’ Crabb really opened some gaps in the opponents defence, and one such opening was capitalised on by Alvin ‘Alvin’ Alvin. His superb pick-up ten metres out was met with three players desperately jumping on his back, but this still didn’t stop the big man from bundling over the line. After another successful conversion, Bedes now trailed by only five points, 24-19

Bedes continued their impressive form and continued pressure by the Bedes and some great running by Ginner Dave, Alvin and the rest of the forward pack really put the backs on the front foot. Every player on the pitch was clearly demonstrating their will to win, and with only ten minutes left the game hung on a knife edge. After yet more forward pressure, Bedes found themselves just 5 metres out from the Whitchurch line, and when the ball came out to James ‘James’ Kington, he unselfishly popped out to Paul ‘Pauly Mak’ Makinen who dived through a gap for his second try of the afternoon. The scores were now level following three unanswered tries from Bedes, meaning the subsequent conversion would give the Bedes the lead. Richard ‘Tommo’ Tomlinson stepped up looking cool as ice, and superbly stroked over the kick for a 24-26 lead.

The game was incredibly tense towards the end when Whitchurch missed a kickable long range penalty. However, the Bedes cleverly took more time off the clock by some superb rumbling and also not forgetting Ginner Dave’s seizure at the base of the ruck. The opponents’ sheer desperation in the last few minutes of the game soon resulted in a knock-on and to the relief of the players and excellent Bedes support the game finally ended 24-26.

A great comeback by the Bedes and the desire and aggression shown in the second half really highlighted the special talent embedded in this group of players. The power-hour in Chester on the way back further highlighted their stamina and self-belief and ‘never say die attitude’ after 80 minutes of gruelling rugby. The arrival back to the club was greeted by a superbly run bonfire and firework display to the credit of all involved.

A top performance and a top night, well done all the Bedians. Let’s keep it up and start to build a formidable winning streak!