Burke’s hit and hope is key to Blues’ comeback
Doncaster Knights v Bedford Blues. wk 46.
Blues centre Brendan Burke had a night to remember as his side claimed a memorable 22-21 victory against Doncaster at Castle Park on Friday night, writes Michael Hann.
Bedford looked to be heading for their third defeat in a row as they trailed 21-10 with five minutes to go.
But the Blues fought back superbly as Ricky Reeves pulled one try back and then deep into injury time, Josh Bassett brought Bedford back to within a point.
With regular kicker Jake Sharp off injured Burke was forced to take the pressure conversion and the Irishman admitted afterwards he wasn’t keen on taking it.
“I wasn’t supposed to take it,” he said. “I didn’t feel like kicking at all but I got a call from the sideline to just have a go.
“I put my head down, hit it and thought I’ll see what happens.”
Despite snatching the win, Burke was frustrated with the way his side had performed in the game.
“It is quite disappointing,” he admitted. “We made a lot of basic mistakes. In games like this you have got to be perfect in your basic skills and we didn’t do that today.”
Doncaster are struggling at the bottom of the Championship, but they produced a spirited display and can feel hard done by to come away with only a losing bonus point.
And Burke doesn’t expect the Knights to be down the bottom of the table come the end of the season.
“We watched videos of them in the week and they are definitely not a bottom side,” he continued.
“They have been unlucky in a few results and maybe should have one or two points more.
“They are an excellent side and shouldn’t be down the bottom.”
Bedford now have a week off before they take on Cornish Pirates and Burke says the break is a chance for some of the players to recover from a frantic few weeks.
“I think we have played 10 or 11 games now so we need a break,” he added.
“This week has been a lifesaver because we have a lot of injuries and small knocks as well.”
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Weather for Bedford
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
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