Tigers have struggled to find their feet in the higher league this summer and dispite an early try from winger Darren Pickard the Bedford boys couldn't shake the rust off from a two week break and several sloppy penalties enabled the Bulldogs to race into an 18-4 lead!

Player coach Chris Potts took control of the play going forward and added some structure to the Tigers attack. Powerfull running from Tigers favourite Zander Pedan and Sam Richbell were complimented by quick darting runs from Euan Irwin and Richy Sinclair.

A good kick on the final tackle forced the bulldogs right back on their line and an unforced error led to a fresh set of six for the Tigers. Potts again showed great awareness to put Pickard in for his second try of the game just before half time.

With the Tigers 8 points down at the break and struggling to really get a grip on the game something needed to change in the camp. Gary Flook's half time team talk spurred a new lease of life in the Tigers and they came out firing in the second half. The defence was dominant and the attack was crisp and flowing. A glimpse of the way the side had played in previous seasons.

They dug deep and waited for the right moments to attack. Quick ruck play and good support running allowed Richy Sinclair to cross the white wash and a moment of brilliance from Chris Potts coupled with a fortunate bounce allowed Dan Sharpe to run in a well deserved try to give the Tigers a second half lead.

The bulldogs, however, brought the Tigers back to earth, punishing a knock on with a score out wide from the resulting scrum. A missed conversion meant honours were even and the Tigers faced a tense final 20 minutes.

Again though they dug deep and good attacking control from Potts and Sharpe found the Tigers deep in the Bulldogs half and this time it was the Tigers who punished a knock-on with a score from captain Gary Flook.

The Bulldogs again tied the game up almost instantly with a converted try and looked to be in the ascendancy in the closing minutes but for an intecepted pass by Darren Pickard on the tigers try line, who then showed great awareness to release the ball to flying fullback Richy Sinlair to run in the final try of the game. A last minute Potts penalty put the Tigers out of reach and sealed a hard fought but well deserved comeback victory!

Final score: Bulldogs 28 - 36 Tigers