Match Report

 Northampton 12-56 Bedford II

13/06/07 (Courtesy of Northampton Casuals)

A new era of sport in Northamptonshire began today, when Northampton Casuals Rugby League played their first ever game against Bedford Tigers II. Started just over a few weeks ago, Northampton RL have seen a growing interest come from the Rugby Union supporting town. The club consists of a real mix of players, ranging from those with years of Rugby League experience, those that have only played rugby union, and players that have not played any rugby at all. Ages range from the late teens into the late thirties.

With just four training sessions under their belts and facing a team from a town that has had rugby league teams for many years, Northampton were looked to be in for a tough game.
Despite torrid conditions, both teams opened strongly and were able to complete their initial sets of possession. Six minutes in, strong defence from Northampton forced a turnover in Bedford territory, and captain and prop Mick Bryant powered his way over for the opening try to put Northampton ahead four points to nil. Despite the conditions, the game was played at an accelerating pace and it took just another three minutes before the Bedford stand off was able to find a way through the line to level the scores at four all.

Things were tight for the next eight minutes, before Bedford were able to score two quick tries to put them into an 18-4 lead. After driving their way into Bedford territory and forcing another turnover, Northampton were able to launch another close range attach on the Bedford line. After failing to power their way through the middle, scrum half Ryan Richards opted for guile and stepped his way over the line on the right hand side. The kick was missed, to leave the scores at 18-8 to Bedford at 30 minutes. Committed defence meant there was no more scoring in the first half.

In the second half, Bedford launched a try scoring blitz, scoring three tries in the first ten minutes. Northampton stand off Stephen Fowler was able to dive over on the right hand side to bring the score back to 34-12, but Northampton's hopes were quickly crushed by further scores. The increased pace of this code of rugby was getting to the Northampton players, and with some scores in quick succession towards the end, the final score was Northampton 12, Bedford 56.

Men of the match for Northampton, nominated by the Bedford team were hooker Joe Smith and second row Matt Dobson - a great effort from Dobson in his first game of rugby league. Young prop Muezomga had a strong game, winger Johnny Janzik was enthusiastic and captain Mick Bryant did a great job leading the team.