The Blues Academy end on a high note

Despite the long coach journey, the Blues played some fine rugby in the first 15 minutes.

A strong lineout drive gained ground for a second lineout 5m from the Doncaster line. Bedford varied their game and the ball was moved wide for centre Adrian Sanday to make ground and offload to winger Ross Taylor in support for a fine try; full-back Liam Shields converted.

Ten minutes later the Blues won a scrum on the Doncaster 10m line; the ball was moved blind and a quick ruck won. Prop Leon Patel-Champion and flanker Rahat Choudhury took the ball on, before another quick ruck was won for fly-half Callum Tormey to put in an accurate kick for centre Sanday to score in the corner. Shields converted and the Blues were 14 points ahead.

After a great start Bedford began to make some poor decisions in the contact area, leading to a succession of penalties which allowed Doncaster back into the game.

Doncaster scored a converted try from a driven lineout before Shields finished the half with a penalty to make the half-time score 17-7 to Bedford.

The Blues tightened up their game after half-time and began to play with a more direct approach, with No 8 Jack Spurr, and locks Ethan Hughes and Tim Herbert carrying the ball hard at the Doncaster defence.

Doncaster found it hard to cope with the pace the Blues began to put on the game and, after five minutes, centre Paul Aguele went over for a try.

This was followed by a great individual score from Sanday to put Bedford 27-7 ahead.

Doncaster hit back when they took advantage of a rare defensive error from Bedford, but the Blues ended the scoring with a try from Jack Spurr from a driving maul, converted by winger Tom Fawwsett.

Doncaster pushed hard for a final score but strong Bedford defence held them out.

Blues Academy director Denis Ormesher said: “This was a much better performance than our last few games. We were more direct and played with a much greater tempo, with some good support play.

“I was pleased that after giving away far too many penalties in the first half we adapted to the referee. Our defence in the second half was strong, at times defending multiple phases without incurring penalties.

“This was a good way to end the 15-a-side season. We now have a week of training in preparation for the Blues U19 10-a-side competition at Goldington Road next Sunday.”