BRITISH AND IRISH CUP Bedford 36 Ulster Ravens 22:OVER 2,000 supporters turned out at Goldington Road ground as the Bedford Blues defeated the Ulster Ravens. Ulster showed a number of changes of personnel from the squad named on Friday.
A bout of tummy bug meant Ravens’ Robbie Diack and Jamie Smith stayed in Belfast as cover for Ulster’s game with Bath.
The Ravens led 6-17 at half-time with tries from Niall Annett and number eight, Scott Lavalla converted by outhalf Patrick Jackson who also added a penalty. But three penalties in quick succession in the second half from James Pritchard pulled Bedford closer for 15-16.
The Blues enjoyed a purple patch in the the second half, scoring three tries in less than 10 minutes, all converted by Pritchard pushing the home side clear, 36-17. Ulster responded with a late effort from Jonny Shiels but couldn’t further reduce the deficit.
BEDFORD: Pritchard (c), Schmidt, Burke (Dodge 49), Bedford, Taylor, Sharp (Walshe, 76), Chudley (Veenendaal 66), Ovens, Locke (Clark 56), Boulton (Boot 56), Tomes (Howard 49), Rae, Gillanders, Fraser, Goodman (Tupai 66).
ULSTER RAVENS: J Smith; C Gilroy, M Allen, L Marshall, T Seymour; P Jackson, I Porter; C Carey, N Annett, D Fitzpatrick, N McComb, R Caldwell, T Anderson (capt), A Birch, R Diack. Replacements: J Burns, J Cronin, I Henderson, D McGuigan, B McIlroy, J McKinney, C Cochrane.
