Heartbreak for Syston in top clash

The final score of 25-24 consolidated Bedford’s place the top of the Midlands One East League, but second placed Syston pushed them all the way, outscoring their hosts on tries. For the visitors it was a classic case of so close yet so far.

In a contest between two very evenly matched teams, it was Bedford who were the first to get into their stride, scoring two tries to build up a 12 point lead at the mid point of the first half.

After the early setbacks Syston forced their way back into the game and through a series of mauls they put increasing pressure on the home defence. That pressure finally paid off when they went over for a try, the subsequent conversion seeing them go in at half time trailing 12-7.

After the break, Syston continued to dominate play and more pressure from the visitors’ forwards culminated in hooker Craig Lockington going over to level the scores 12-12.

Parity was shortlived, however, with Josh Cassell crossing for his second try of the day, and the hosts’ third, soon after. The conversation saw Bedford take a 19-12 lead but once again Syston hit back through Lockington, bagging his second try. also converted to tie the scores at 19-19.

A penalty eased Bedford into a three point lead and their position looked even stronger when Syston’s Joseph Knowles-Lorriman was sinbinned for an elbowing offence.

However, Syston had other ideas and scored a bonus point try through Ian Smith to move into a 24-22 lead, with just over 20 minutes remaining.

But it was a lead they were unable to hold on to as a penalty on 65 minutes ultimately secured victory for Bedford by the narrowest of margins.