Superb Scottish Give Bedford The Blues
London Scottish sealed their biggest win of the season against high-flying Bedford Blues with a stunning 26-23 win in front of a jubilant Richmond Athletic Ground crowd.
The home side were roared on to victory by their biggest home crowd of the season so far and the players were visibly lifted by the atmosphere generated. There were a few tense moments as Josh Bassett grabbed two second half tries for the visitors but Scottish were able to hold on and secure a momentous win.
Scottish's start to the game was an indication of what was to come as Love was handed an early penalty chance from 30 metres and he split the posts to give the home side an early lead. And it got better minutes later: young scrum half Jamie Stevenson dummied and broke into space, Andy Reay ran an excellent supporting line and the centre had the pace to beat the last man.
Bedford almost replied instantly but a thumping tackle from Jim Thompson prevented them from scoring the try. Play was brought back, however, for a penalty, which James Pritchard slotted with ease. And moments later Scottish scored again through a superb team effort. Chevvy Pennycook, Colin Quigley and Mark Bright all helped carry the ball forward before Tyler Hotson dove over to further the home lead. Love's conversion was spot on and the score was out to 17-3.
Pritchard grabbed another simple penalty soon after before Stevenson produced an electric 60 metre break after Scottish had defended heroically in their 22 for a sustained period. Love had one final chance from the kicking tee before the break but his kick drifted wide to the right.
The beginning of the second half was a frenetic affair with both sides desperate to grab the first score and gain some momentum. And it was Scottish who got that score, Love producing a wonderful penalty kick from 35 metres.
Bedford wouldn't go down easily, however, and after a spell phases inside the Scottish 22, they went left and found Bassett on a big overlap to score in the left corner. Pritchard nailed a tricky conversion and it was game on.
Love kept the lead at more than a converted try when he slotted a penalty from wide on the right but Bedford were finally growing into the game and the replacement back Ben Ransom troubled Scottish with his pace. Pritchard's penalty from right in front of the posts ensured a nerve wracking finale but, given another opportunity, Love showed outstanding composure to land his fourth penalty and give the nervous home fans a ten point lead in the closing moments.
Bedford still weren't finished and Bassett grabbed his second try in similar fashion to his first, the Blues back line breaking through some tired Scottish tackles to put the young winger away in space on the left. There was time for the restart and home fans' heads were in hands as Bedford held possession and were creeping forwards. But a knock on lost them the ball and Scottish had sealed an epic win against one of the division's most dangerous sides.
Weeks after surprising many with their excellent performance at Newcastle, Scottish had upset the odds again and will head into the rest of the season with huge confidence.
London Scottish's next home game is against Gala in the British and Irish Cup on Saturday 19th January (KO 3pm). Book your tickets online now www.londonscottish.com
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