Bedford Blues book home play-off semi-final place

Mike Rayer’s men went into the game knowing a bonus point victory would secure second, and they duly delivered it by edging home against a Chinnor side who pretty much wrapped up their own spot in the post-season too.

Blues forwards coach, Cameron Boon said: “It was a really good result.

“They dug deep and got the job done. This reward of a home semi-final is because of everything the boys have done this season.

“We had to be ruthless, Chinnor never go away.”

James Bourton, Dean Adamson and penalty from Will Maisey gave the hosts a 15-7 lead at the break.

But, inside 30 seconds of the second half, Tuilagi got his second.

Chinnor were reduced to 14 when Thomas Watson saw yellow, but Bedford couldn’t do anything with the advantage and lost a player themselves as Lucas Titherington was booked for repeat offences.

The visitors reduced the deficit when Watson returned, but couldn’t add anything else.

A try and a penalty from Will Maisey near the hour mark put Bedford well on course at 30-14, but Chinnor refused to give up and got a deserved two points through Luke Carter and Watson.

Ampthill's five game winning streak was halted by an agonising last-minute 27-24 defeat at Nottingham on Friday night.

The Mob went into the game just one place and two points behind Nottingham in the league table but were shot down by a last gasp penalty.

Head coach Dave Ward said: “Credit to Nottingham, they carved out a chance at the end and took it.

“We were a little bit naïve in the second half in areas of the field to play in, but what a fantastic game of rugby.

“I can’t fault the players' energy, enthusiasm and effort. But we ran into a good team today and they took the spoils.”

A full bloodied first half saw the teams exchange four tries, but just one conversion separated them at the break.

Ampthill opened the scoring on eight minutes, Jones feeding Mullarkey who broke the line to score.

Nottingham equalised minutes later before another Jones assist put Va’enuku through a gap to dive over. Keylock duly added the extras.

But a quick line out after a 50:22 caught the Mob napping and Nottingham scored in the corner.

Nottingham took the lead for the first time in the game 10 minutes into the second half.

A third scrum penalty in as many minutes resulted in a yellow card for Nottingham and from the next scrum Ampthill took advantage as Mapapalangi crashed over and Finn Keylock's second conversion restored the lead at 19-17 with 15 minutes to play.

Ampthill extended their lead with only four minutes to play through Harrison Courtney. Keylock's kick hit the post but the Mob led 24-17.

However, a penalty and yellow card for captain Fraser Strachan gave Nottingham a chance to successfully level the game and, with the clock in the red, Nottingham opted for the posts from another penalty and took the win.