Title favourites Barnes blow mistake-ridden Amps away
Tough start for Mid Beds side in National Three London and South East
Favourites for the National Three London and South East title Barnes inflicted an opening day defeat on Ampthill on Saturday.
Having been relegated from National Two South last season, Barnes claimed a 44-22 win at Dillingham Park in almost perfect conditions.
Director of rugby Mark Lavery said: "The best side won today. Barnes play an excellent 15-man game and will take some stopping in this division this season.
"We need to get back on the training pitch on Tuesday and Thursday and work very hard for Saturday's tough away fixture against Bracknell."
Barnes wore their favourites tag well and took full advantage of Amps' injury crisis.
Amps were missing 15 first team players and a comedy of errors from the home side at the start set the tone for the afternoon.
A kick straight into touch resulted in the visitors scoring a converted try after just two minutes, but Amps responded well and captain Philip Lane touched down in the corner on 10 minutes, with Kieran Davies levelling the scores with his kick.
The sides cancelled each other out for 10 minutes, although Amps' game was marked by a number of dropped passes and some needless kicking which stopped them from building any momentum.
A stray pass let the visitors in for their second converted try on 32 minutes.
Amps responded with a penalty a minute before the break, only for Barnes to respond in kind as they led 17-10 at half time.
Barnes extended their lead two minutes into the second half, only for Lee Anker to reply with Davies converting to make it 24-17 on 50 minutes.
The final 30 minutes was a mistake-riddled affair from Amps with passes going to ground, tackles missed and wrong options taken. Barnes ruthlessly took advantage and opened up a comfortable 44-17 lead.
And a late unconverted score by Rex Hedges for the home side made little difference.
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Weather for Bedford
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
