Bedford Blues over-ran Cambridge in the end but James Shanahan`s men matched them physically despite being forced onto the back foot for periods of the game.

That Bedford`s tries had more than a fair share of breakaways, one from their 22 from a wayward pass after Cambridge should probably have scored, is encouraging. There won`t be many teams with Blues quality in National League 2. Rob Hurrell`s yellow after the first sustained bout of handbags on 27 minutes appeared harsh - apparently being 6 ft 8" is enough to be penalised. Pete Kolakowski followed him into the bin a couple of minutes later.
 
Cambridge`s tries were worthy of the occasion. Chris Lombaard finished off Shanahan`s 60 metre intercept - whilst down to 13 men. Rob Hurrell finished off Mike Guess` dive over the whitewash after some sustained pressure. Ben Patston`s boot looks a prodigious weapon and his game management skills will energise the backs. Stef Liebenberg produced the game`s stand out moment with an outrageous tap-tackle on his 22 as Bedford threatened to run through again. The visitors finished with a flourish for the last word though as Shanahan carved through Blue`s defence to put a better gloss on the scoreline. No disgrace at all, but supreme irony that Cambridge`s first defeat in their new stealth-bomber black was to a team in light blue. 

Chris Fell's match photos here.