Bit too close for Bedford

Bedford forwards coach Martin Hynes admitted it got a bit too close for comfort in the dying stages of their 19-16 win over London Welsh.

Bedford appeared to be cruising to victory when they led by 13 points but two late tries from Welsh set up a tense finale.

Welsh were penalised, though, handing Blues the win and Hynes afterwards said:  “All the big games are going to be tense, it can come down to a final kick or the final few minutes and we didn’t expect any different today.

“The way they attacked at the end of the game showed what a good side they are.”

The result means that Bedford now boast the best defensive record in the league and that was emphasised during the match with Welsh with some phenomenal last-ditch tackling.

“Our defence was outstanding again, I think our side has a lot of character and honesty which plays a key part in defence,” added Hynes.

“Big games are always the best and the ones you remember; it’s what you train all week for.

“We never go into a game thinking we going to lose but these big teams give it all and don’t give up.”

The match was also the first championship game this season to be televised and the two sides certainly didn’t disappoint in an enthralling encounter.

And Hynes believes that playing in front of the cameras will help his players, adding: “At the end I don’t think the lads adapted to the pressure as well as we could have done and that goes to show the little bit of inexperience but this will certainly help to bring them on.

“It’s smashing for the lads to play in front of the cameras and we were trying to build momentum with the crowd.

“It was a great game and hopefully Sky might come back here.”