Bletchley 2nd XV made the short trip to Bedford to face Sharnbrook in a hard-fought friendly fixture on Saturday. With their scheduled league match postponed, this game provided a valuable opportunity for the squad - which continues to grow in strength and depth - to gain match time and build cohesion.

From the outset, both sides were fully committed, and the contest quickly turned into a physical battle. Bletchley’s forwards began to find rhythm, stringing together multiple phases and testing the Sharnbrook defence out wide. However, a few missed tackles proved costly, allowing Sharnbrook to take an early lead on the scoreboard.

Bletchley’s response was spirited. Scrum-half Alex Grogan powered his way over the line to open the visitors’ account, with fullback Dean Williams adding the conversion to keep the game tight at the break - Sharnbrook leading 19–7 at half-time.

The second half saw Bletchley continue to carry strongly, with flanker Dom Newland and lock Carl Rudkin making significant yards and repeatedly breaching the gain line. Despite their positive play, defensive lapses again hurt Bletchley as Sharnbrook capitalised clinically to extend their advantage.

Refusing to roll over, Bletchley mounted a late surge. Excellent link play between forwards and backs saw them drive deep into the Sharnbrook 22, where Dean Williams capped a fine individual performance by crashing over for a well-deserved try, which he also converted.

In the end, the deficit proved too much to overturn, and Sharnbrook ran out deserved winners, 45–14.

Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for Bletchley to take - strong forward carries, improved attacking cohesion, and valuable minutes for several new faces, with Man of the match going to Bletchley flanker Dom Newland for his exceptional shift.

NEXT UP: The team will look to build on this performance as they return to league action away to Ampthill Casuals on Sat 1st Nov.