Biggleswade RUFC

Biggleswade Men’s 1st XV 10 - 5 Bedford Queens

After an enforced break due to frozen pitches, Biggleswade Men’s 1sts were itching to follow up their win against Northampton BBOBs earlier this month.

Saturday’s opposition, Bedford Queens, had beaten Biggy by a slender two points earlier this season, so the home side were keen to reverse the result.

Queens turned up with their experienced powerful pack of forwards and made it clear it was going to be a hard-fought battle. Both packs put in huge tackles, with neither side initially making much ground. After the nerves settled, Biggy showed excellent patience as they used their attacking shape to slowly erode the Queens’ defence, working to force gaps their waiting back line could exploit. Queens held fast though and pushed Biggy back towards their line.

It took exceptional defensive team work from Biggleswade to hold the visitors out, eventually forcing the knock-on and a scrum. The clearance from scrum half Quinn Heath released the pressure for Biggy, only for Queens to press again. This time Biggy managed a turnover close to their line to clear again and regroup.

Eventually the Queens attacking onslaught was too much, and they crashed over the line from close range after a catch and drive from a lineout ten metres out.

Some strong carries put Biggy on the front foot. Del Starling, playing at 8, collided with a Queens player, leading to some off-the-ball scuffles from a number of players including the Queens’ coach, who was yellow carded.

Biggy finished the half using their aggression and pressure to gain ground.

After the break it was the battle of the forward packs once more again locked in the centre of the pitch.

A penalty awarded to Biggleswade pulled the home team into the Queens’ half and held them there as the quick, cohesive Biggy defensive line stopped attacking plays.

A penalty kick to the corner and resulting lineout provided the platform for Biggy to attack the visitors’ try line.  Great forwards and backs linking play saw Biggy blitz first one side of the pitch and then the other.  A number of pick and go attempts drew in the Queens’ defence to finally create the space for Dom Nott to crash over from short range for a well-earned try to bring the game level.

Up stepped Sam Woods, on his debut appearance for the 1sts, to slot the conversion and put his side ahead 7-5. 

Energised by the score, Biggy stepped up, camping in Queens’ half, and eventually drawing the penalty which Woods knocked over in an almost mirror image of his conversion just five minutes before.

With 15 minutes to play, Biggy took control. Absorbing everything Queens threw at them, and remaining calm under pressure, the home team held the ball and moved the visitors from touch line to touchline as the clock ran down.

Sessions spent in training on how to manage game scenarios paid off as the visitors were prevented from stringing phases together. Hard graft and composure from Biggleswade made it impossible for Queens to break through.

The final whistle went after a physical, competitive battle, with Biggy 10-5 winners.