BEDFORD BLUES 8

Powergen Cup

Franklin’s Gardens

Saturday, December 18, 2004

Northampton Saints overcame local rivals (not to mention a host of old friends) Bedford Blues at Franklin’s Gardens to advance into the quarter-finals of the Powergen Cup. And while the final 33-point margin was comfortable, it was well earned as the National League One side threw everything at the Saints.

Bedford’s Ian Vass was the dominant figure of the opening 10 minutes, showing the power and determination that had made him a fans’ favourite during his time at the Gardens. But the home side were also their own worst enemies, Jon Clarke fumbling the ball repeatedly to put them under pressure.

Saints’ first opportunity arrived with their first foray into Bedford’s half; a 40-metre Grayson penalty after the Blues had been caught offside in midfield. It was a fortunate chance, as Junior Paramore had broken straight through the fringe defence with Thompson coming to the rescue with a timely interception.

There followed sustained pressure from the home pack. Thompson and Grayson turned down chances for points as Blues repeatedly infringed at the breakdown – Arthur Brenton being sin-binned – and the extra man eventually told as first Mark Tucker went close, then John Rudd crossed unopposed, capitalising on Mark Soden and Brett McNamee’s drives for the line.

Blues pulled a penalty back through Leigh Hinton, but the points were scant consolation for a wasted golden opportunity when Mike Staten had both space and an overlap.

It was typical of Bedford’s attacking play; initial breaks through the line breaking down as the support was left behind, such as Matt Allen’s effort just before the break.

Saints’ power and patience would tell again, however. Ross Beattie was denied a dream debut as he was held up; only a desperate tackle dragged Wylie Human into touch; and another Bedford indiscretion and consequent home lineout was worked along the line for Mark Tucker to go over.

The second half’s opening exchanges belonged to the visitors. Grayson missed a penalty, and Jon Phillips renewed ‘friendly’ acquaintances with Thompson when JP shrugged off the Saints captain on one of several trademark charges. And the Blues camped themselves in the home 22, turning down their own chances at goal in search of the try that would open up the game. Their adventure was nearly rewarded by Brenton, held up following some neat Hinton play.

But as with the first half, Saints’ defence held firm and they again scored with their first attack. Damien Browne’s initial break opened Bedford up, and Clarke, whose early nerves had disappeared along with his scrum-cap, finished the move.

The game now safe, head coach Budge Pountney made a string of changes, giving Saints debuts to Neil Starling and Simon Emms. Shaun Brady and Andy Phillips, who have both appeared for the Wanderers this season, came on for the visitors, as did Soane Tonga’uiha, a massive prop who made his mark with a consolation try for the Blues.

There was still time for some derby handbags between Shane Drahm and Dominic Malone, a second try for Clarke – capping a man of the match performance – and one for Grant Seely in injury-time, whose touchdown in the corner was well converted by Drahm and rewarded by the final whistle.

Teams:
Northampton Saints – Clarke; Rudd, Tucker (Starling 62mins), Stcherbina, Human; Grayson (Drahm 74mins), Robinson (Howard 65mins); Budgen (Emms 68mins), Thompson (capt) (Van Wyk 74mins), Morris (Sturgess 60mins) Seely, Browne, Beattie, McNamee (Richmond 57), Soden.

Bedford Blues – Hinton; Whetstone, Staten, Allen (capt), Moir (Hinkins 79mins); Hepher (Malone 68mins), Vass; Volland (Tonga’uiha 62mins), Johnson (Price 79mins), Stewart (Brooks 20mins), J Phillips (A Phillips 79mins), Brenton, Strauss, Lewitt, Paramore (Brady 68mins).

Scorers:
Northampton Saints – Tries: Rudd, Tucker, Clarke (2), Human, Seely; Cons: Grayson (3), Drahm; Pen: Grayson.

Bedford – Try: Tonga’uiha; Pen: Hinton.

Yellow cards:
Brenton (16mins)
Howard (77mins)

Attendance:
9,117

Powergen man of the match – Jon Clarke