Bedford Tigers 100 Leicester Phoenix 0

Insirational Bedford Blues star James Pritchard successfully switched codes at the weekend when he turned out for the Bedford Tigers in their Midlands Premier season opener with Leicester Phoenix at Rushden RUFC.

And the Canadian rugby union full-back helped Tigers kick-off their fifth year anniversary in record-breaking style with a dominant display that sent out a warning to their rivals as they racked up a ton of points.

Pritchard, who started at hooker, scored two tries and combined well with Australian playmaker and debutant Zander Pedan, who rattled home four tries to lead the way. Pedan's pace, power and execution earned him the man of the match award.

Jamie Goss and Rich Sinclair grabbed three tries apiece, while prop forwards Sam Richbell and Jamie Stead both claimed braces. Rob Aston, Trevor Mudokwani and Matt Hughes also got on the scoresheet, while Chris Potts kicked 14 goals from his 18 attempts.

The win, which was the club's biggest ever, saw them smash a number of other club records including most tries in a game (18) along with most individual tries on debut and in a first grade fixture, Pedan (4). Potts individual tally of 28 points was the most in a game, as were his 14 goals.

Attentions now switch to Saturday's clash with last year's Midland Premier champions and national finalists, the Coventry Bears, at Bedford International Athletic Stadium, kick-off 2.30pm.