Cambridge Rugby Club beaten in RFU Championship derby by rampant second-half display from Bedford Blues

It was a classic ‘game of two halves’ for Cambridge during their latest RFU Championship defeat at Bedford Blues on Saturday.

The opening 40 minutes of the first competitive meeting between the two sides since 1979 was a close affair.

The hosting Blues headed into the break with just a five-point advantage, but in the second half they moved through the gears, eventually condemning Cambridge to a 59-19 loss.

The visitors took the lead early on through Geordie Irvine’s try, which was converted by Jamie Benson.

They then went in front again when Matt Dawson went over with 15 minutes on the clock, only to be pegged back by a couple of Bedford tries.

And while new signing Huw Owen dotted down for Cambridge in the second half, they were unable to repel a rampant Bedford display at Goldington Road.

“I was really pleased with that opening 40 minutes,” director of rugby Richie Williams told the Richie & Jacko Podcast.

“But then credit to Bedford in the second half. They started with that tempo that we knew they were going to bring. You saw what they can do to teams and we were on the receiving end.”

Cambridge, who have lost all five league matches this term, head to Nottingham on Friday (December 1).