Bedford Blues 19 Cornish Pirates 16

A match which had promised so much in the build-up failed to live up to its billing as the Cornish Pirates fell foul of stifling tactics from the Blues pack and a whistle-happy display from referee Keith Lewis, writes Dick Straughan.

The home side took an early lead with a penalty from full-back James Pritchard but the Pirates were soon in front as hooker Rob Elloway seized on a loose defensive lineout by Bedford and charged over the line. Cook converted but with Mr Lewis already targeting the Pirates' front row a second penalty from Pritchard cut the lead to a point.

Two further penalties from either side left the game poised at 13-9 to the Pirates as they faced a second half playing up the infamous Bedford slope. A yellow card for Number 8 Laurie McGlone and a second soon after for Paul Devlin meant they had to do it with 13 men.

The Blues edged ahead with a disputed converted try from Goodman, who the Pirates believed did not ground the ball, and after Cook levelled the game with a penalty Pritchard`s 56th minute shot at the sticks proved decisive.

Picture by Dave Hughes/Pinnacle.

The Pirates introduced Gavin Cattle late on as they sought to relive the pressure on their defence but the Blues held out with the match losing all shape and control in the closing stages.

Bedford Blues: Pritchard (capt), Fielden, Dorrian, Vass, Davey, Davies (Sharp 65), Walshe (Cecere 65), Walsh, Locke (Richmond 51), Seal (Boulton h/t), Tupai (Harlock 73), Rae, Lewitt, Harding, Goodman. Replacements (not used) – Daynes, Taylor

Tries – Goodman

Cons – Pritchard

Pens – Pritchard (4).

Cornish Pirates: Davies, McAtee (Jackson 72), Devlin (sin-bin 46-56), Winn (Ireland 62), Havili, Cook, Doherty (Cattle 48), Storer (Franklin 29), Elloway (Prosser 67), Paver (Andrew 59), Pammenter (Holmes 59), Gulliver (capt), Morgan, Betty, McGlone (sin-bin 37-47)

Tries – Elloway

Cons – Cook

Pens – Cook (3)

Yellow Cards – McGlone, Devlin

Referee – K.Lewis (RFU)

Attendance – 2,817