The Ravens are defeated at Goldington Road...

Over 2000 supporters turned out at Bedford's Goldington Road ground as the Bedford Blues hosted the Ravens in the British & Irish Cup.

While this was the first round proper of competition, the early scheduling of the Round 5 matches involving Irish and Welsh teams, originally due to be played on the weekend of the February international between the senior sides, means that Ulster had already begun their campaign, opening with a win away to Swansea in October.

Bedford and Ulster met in the pool stages of last season's cup campaign with Ulster notching up a 29-3 win over the Blues at Ravenhill,

The Ravens side showed a number of changes of personnel from that which was named on Friday - a bout of tummy bug in the squad meant that both Robbie Diack and Jamie Smith stayed in Belfast in case cover for Ulster who played Bath in the Heineken Cup was required.

The Ravens led 6-17 at the halftime break with tries from Niall Annett and No.8 Scott Lavalla, converted by outhalf Patrick Jackson who also added a penalty.

Three penalties in quick succession in the second half from the boot of James Pritchard at the start of the second half pulled Bedford almost level, 15-16.

The Blues enjoyed a real purple patch in the middle of the second half scoring three tries in less than ten minutes, all converted by Pritchard pushing the home side clear, 36-17. Ulster reponded witha late effort from Jonny Shiels, uncoverted to see the final score Blues 36 - 22 Ulster.

Next up the Ravens entertain Moseley at Ravenhill next Friday (17th December), KO 4pm.

B&I Cup: Bedford Blues 36 - 22 Ulster Ravens

Related Articles

Club partners