By Coventry Rugby 
By Alex Didlick
Coventry were left frustrated at Goldington Road as a promising first-half performance gave way to a second-half Bedford fightback, denying the visitors what had looked a strong platform at the break.
Josh Thomas got proceedings underway with a kick-off into midfield. Coventry enjoyed the first spell of possession, and a series of scrums allowed the forwards to impose themselves early, but it was the Blues who applied the greater pressure, drawing the first penalty of the afternoon. A quick tap-and-go looked to catch Coventry napping, but the move was extinguished superbly by Morgan Adderly-Jones, who recovered brilliantly to force a penalty for holding on.
Another penalty soon followed, Coventry’s second, putting them right on the Bedford line. The maul was well developed, and it was Senitiki Nayalo at the back to produce the game’s opening score. An excellent start for Coventry.
From the restart, and after a swift clearance from Sam Maunder, Bedford enjoyed their first sustained spell with ball in hand. Coventry’s line speed held firm initially, but an offside penalty gifted the Blues territory. Strong carries from the Bedford forwards edged them closer before Fred Tuilagi eventually powered over from close range to level the scores. 7–7.
Bedford had grown into the contest and, following a high-tackle penalty, were again deep inside Coventry territory. A grubber through by full-back Louis James was fortunate to run into touch, and Coventry defended the resulting lineout well to escape.
Cov’s first real chance to stretch their legs soon followed, and they did so impressively down the left. Tom Bacon and Ewan Baker combined well, breaking tackles and driving into the Bedford 22. With momentum firmly on their side, Chester Owen finished the move under the posts after another phase of sharp handling.
The left-hand side continued to produce yardage, and once again it was Bacon who punched through to gain valuable metres. An offside penalty took Coventry back into the 22, and this time Jordon Poole claimed the spoils. The handling throughout was exemplary, and Adderly-Jones’ quick offload left the Bedford defence with no chance. 7–21.
With the home crowd urging a response, Bedford found one in the 27th minute. For the second time in the half, Louis James’ grubber kick down the left caused problems. This time Ewan Baker collected well before dipping a toe into touch. Bedford executed the ensuing lineout cleanly, and Rory Ward crossed a few phases later. 14–21.
Heading into the closing minutes of the half, Coventry were the more energetic side. Through determined running and precise passing, they forced the issue. A neat offload from Maunder to Allan Ferrie saw the lock surge over for Coventry’s bonus-point try. With Tommy Mathews adding the conversion, the score moved to 28–14.
Coventry pushed hard to take a two-try cushion into the break, but Bedford had the final say. Oisin Heffernan eventually forced his way over from short range to narrow the gap. The sides headed into half-time with Coventry leading 28–21.
Bedford recovered their own restart to begin the second half with early possession. The ball was moved with pace and purpose, putting Coventry on the back foot. It may have produced the first score of the half if not for a brilliant tackle from Tommy Mathews, forcing a crucial knock-on- a big early show of character from Coventry.
The contest tightened, with both sides locking horns. Another grubber through from James threatened again, particularly after a kick-on from Hutler, but Tom Bacon did superbly to gather under pressure and defuse the danger. The game’s first card followed in the 47th minute, Dafydd Rhys-Tiueti being shown yellow for a high tackle. Bedford wasted little time in capitalising, crossing through Will Maisey to bring the scores level once more. 28–28.
Coventry struggled during the period of numerical disadvantage and spent long spells defending. Bedford’s momentum continued, and Fyn Brown’s try pushed the hosts ahead for the first time. A further penalty from Maisey extended the lead to 38–28, leaving Cov in need of something special.
With 15 minutes remaining, Coventry battled to reassert themselves but lacked the precision shown in the first half. A huge chance went begging when Morgan Adderly-Jones’ interception was brought back for offside.
A late scrum penalty went Coventry’s way and was converted by Mathews to set up a frantic final minute. Despite earning two late penalty opportunities, poorly executed lineouts prevented any late heroics.
It proved a frustrating afternoon in Bedford. Despite an encouraging first-half performance, Coventry couldn’t rediscover that level after the break, allowing the Blues to complete a spirited comeback in front of their home support. Attention now turns back to the Butts Park Arena, where Chinnor visit next weekend as Coventry look to rediscover the form that delivered five straight bonus-point wins.
Full Time: 38-31
Man of the Match – Tom Bacon
Tom Bacon was at the centre of much of Coventry’s good work, particularly in the first half. Dangerous going forward, composed under the high ball and reliable under repeated kicking pressure from Bedford, the full-back produced a strong all-round display.
Referee- Richard Gordon
Goal kicking
Josh Thomas-3/3
Tommy Mathews- 2/2
Will Maisey- 6/6
Try Scorers:
Coventry Rugby- Senitiki Nayalo (6’), Chester Owen (18’), Jordan Poole (24’), Allan Ferrie (37’)
Bedford Blues- Fred Tuilagi (12’), Rory Ward (28’), Oisin Hefferman (39’), Will Maisey (49’), Fyn Brown (56’)
Line-ups:
Coventry Rugby- Aristot Benz-Salomon, Jordon Poole ©, Matt Johnson, Jack Shine. Allan Ferrie, Chester Owen, Tom Ball, Senitiki Nayalo, Sam Maunder, Josh Thomas, Ewan Baker, Dafydd-Rhys Tiueti, Morgan Adderly-Jones, David Opoku-Fordjour, Tom Bacon
Finishers: Murray Davidson, Marc Thomas (On loan from Bridgend Rovers), Sam Gibson, Dylan Morris, Api Bavandra, Josh Barton, Tommy Mathews, Jack Reeves
Bedford Blues- Jamie Jack, James Fish, Oisin Heffernan, Rory Ward, Alex Woolford, Fred Tuilagi, Fyn Brown, Tui Uru, Alex Day ©, Will Maisey, Ryan Hutler, Michael Le Bourgeois, Lucas Titherington, George Worth, Louis James
Finishers: Tommy Herman, Joey Conway, Monty Royston, Ilan Evans, Kayde Sylvester, James Lennon, Tom Price, Billy Pasco
