Ampthill Head Coach Paul Turner was again left frustrated by his squads inability to convert territory and possession into points following a 45 v 24 defeat to local rivals Bedford Blues at Goldington Road
“It’s just another frustrating result but we can only blame ourselves. We’ve dominated the first quarter but failed with four attempts to get across the line and then Bedford scored three quick tries – they’re a very good side and will punish your mistakes. We’ve got ourselves back in the game in the second half, got within a score and again failed to execute despite getting over the line. We seem to be very ‘Groundhog Day’, it’s the story of our season – we’ve a lot to work to do before we go to Chinnor next week which is now a huge game for the club and this group.” said Turner
Ampthill started on the front foot and when awarded the first penalty of the game after two minutes, skipper Fraser Strachan pointed to the posts and debutant fly-half Louie Johnson put the Mob ahead with a well-struck kick. 0-3
Blues response was instant. Charlie Bracken conceding a penalty from the kick-off, converted by Maisey 3-3.
15 minutes of Ampthill dominance followed but the Blues defence was equal to every attack and it was Blues who scored the first try of the game after 23 minutes – Matavesi finishing under the posts and a simple conversion for Maisey 10-3
A yellow card for Wilson Ijeh following a high-shot from kick-off game Blues a man advantage and they made it count scoring their second minutes later 17v3
With equality restored Ampthill again threatened in attack and again failed to capitalise on strong field position from the boot of Louie Johnson and paid the price conceding a third Blues try on the stroke of half-time, 24v3 at oranges and lots to do.
Ampthill started the second half in the same vein as the first throwing everything at the Blues defence and took five minutes to get their first try, Bracken throwing an outrageous show-n-go to snipe behind the defence and score under the posts. 24v10
Ampthill nearly had their second minutes later – ball worked to the left wing and finding Samson Adejimi with only the winger to beat – the hooker skillfully chipped the defence at speed but pulled up in the chase. Adejimi replaced by Luke Thompson.
The Mob continued to dominate and got within a score after 54 minutes. With Blues reduced to 14 men, Ampthill chose to scrum 10m out. Bracken went blind off the scrum and found Brandon Jackson who dived over in the corner. A brilliant conversion from Johnson making the score 24v17
Blues quickly restored their advantage, Joe Howard capitalising on a defensive lapse before Ampthill scored their third try through prop Harvey Beaton from a driving maul with nearly a quarter of the game remaining.
Two Bedford tries in the final five minutes put the game to bed for the hosts and a final score of 45v24 leaving Ampthill without a bonus point for their efforts.
Ampthill’s next home game sees Bristol Bears visit The Olney Field in the Premiership Rugby Cup on Sat 1st Feb, kick-off 2:00pm. Tickets and hospitality are available online. Book tickets here
Ampthill Team:
1. Sam Crean 2. Samson Adejimi 3. Harvey Beaton 4. Kennedy Sylvester 5. Kaden Pearce-Paul
6. Max Eke 7. Charles Ryland 8. Lekima Ravuvu 9. Charlie Bracken 10. Louie Johnson 11. Brandon Jackson 12. Fraser Strachan (C) 13. Sam Spink 14. Wilson Ijeh 15. Josh Barton
Replacements:
16. Luke Thompson 17. Harrison Courtney 18. James Johnston 19. Arthur Thomas 20. Syd Blackmore
21. Rory Morgan 22. Josh Hallett 23. Mason Cullen
Points scorers:
Tries: Bracken 46, Jackson 54, Beaton 62
Conv: Johnson 47, 55, 63
Pen:Johnson 3
