Bedfordshire look to make history

Beds are aiming to become only the second team to claim the trophy three years in a row, with Herts and Norfolk expected to be their closest challengers.

Having beaten Suffolk, the only team to have won the cup three years in a row, 31-13 in February, Beds followed that up by thumping Norfolk 32-12 in March.

Beds’ players dominate the singles rankings, with Captain Josh Riddaway (Greenfield) and reigning Beds Youth Champion Jack Moreira (Luton) leading the way with 11 wins from 12 frames.

Vice-manager Dave Molloy (Dunstable) took charge of arranging the team as a full squad turned out for the first team.

Dave Molloy is taking a more active role in running the team as current manager, Bobby Riddaway, has applied for the role of England Youth Manager, with a decision to be made in September.

The full team was Josh Riddaway (Greenfield), Adam Toms (Brogborough), Callum Flecknell (Luton), Joel Riddaway (Greenfield), James Molloy (Dunstable), Jack Moreira (Luton), Bradley Andrews (Luton), Fintan McCann (Bedfrod), Josh Smith (Luton), Jake Baldwin (Houghton Regis), Cody Beckett (Bedford), Alex Dumpleton (Luton), Nathan Ellis (Luton) and Ethan Mistry (Luton).

Meanwhile, the England Internal Trials for the World Championship Team took place over the weekend of April 13-14.

Twelve players were competing for four places with Bedfordshire being represented by Josh Riddaway, James Molloy and Flecknell.

Josh Riddaway won the trials and Flecknell finished third, meaning that both players will make their debuts for the team at the World Championships after both they, and James Riddaway, recently represented England at the European Championships.