BSRFC Colts 44 v Bedford Blues Colts 15

The first round draw in the Colts National cup was a tough one for Bishops Stortford. This seasons squad have the ability to do very well but faced a tough opening game against a strong Bedford Blues side and a club with plenty of history in the competition. At least BSRFC had home advantage and the weather was set fair for the day.

An early catch and drive from a 5m line out saw Max Bedford go over unopposed for the opening try. Bedford hit back with a converted try and penalty before Stortford replied with a tries from Austin Pope and Jaq Belton. Tom Hitchcock landed a conversion and penalty so Stortford were 20-10 up at half time. This was somewhat flattering to the home team as Bedford had been the better side for large parts of the first half, forcing an uncharacteristic high penalty count from BSRFC.

The second half was much better from Stortford where the fitness of the home team told against physically bigger opponents. With increased discipline at the breakdown, Stortford ran in 4 tries (3 to Hitchcock and 1 for "Aussie" Jack Nicholls) with 2 conversions. Bedford scored a try at the death but the game was effectively won with 20 minutes to go.

Final Score: BSRFC 44 - 15 Bedford. We await the outcome of the Gravesend v Southend game on 10th December to see who we play in R2, date tbc in January.