Bedford Tigers edged out Hemel Stags 22-16 to win the East RL Cup on Saturday.
It was the third time the Tigers have faced the Stags in as many weeks and this completed a hat-trick of victories having won the previous two clashes between the sides, 24-22 and 26-24.
In a close first 40, it was Bedford who took went ahead early on, Ed Strand and Paul Ryder going over, with player-coach Rob Ashton converting the second to set up a 10-0 lead on the stroke of half time.
But, in the closing minutes of the first period, Bedford indiscipline helped Hemel set up some pressure, which they converted to produce two tries ans go in 12-10 up at the interval.
Half time @East_RL Cup Final score is @BedfordTigers 10 @HemelStagsRL 12 pic.twitter.com/mRBwSaYh9m
— Sean Mellor (@seanbigfellamel) July 9, 2016
The Stags went on to enjoy long periods of pressure in the second period and were rewarded for their dominance with their third try of the afternoon which extended their lead to 16-10.
But a stirring fightback was to come.
[[MULTI_IMAGE1]][[MULTI_IMAGE2]]
In the closing stages, Bedford rallied and Matt Jones put them back into the game with their third try, leaving them 16-14 down.
Sam Richbell then crashed through to put the Tigers 18-16 ahead. Ashton converted to make it 20-16 before adding a penalty at the death to round off the scoring in a dramatic contest.
"We've done it," relieved Bedford captain Paul Ryder told the Bedfordshire News.
"It was tough. I think we made it tough on ourselves at times but, once again, we've come from behind to get the result - I can't fault the spirit of this side."
The East RL Cup was the final game of an action-packed triple-header in Hertfordshire, with the finals of both the East Shield and East Vase also taking place.
Kings Lynn Black Knights were the first winners of the day, recoviering from a 6-4 deficit at half time to beat Eastern Rhinos 36-16 and claim the East RL Vase.
Top performance from @KLBK_RL hooker Joe Shirley won him the @East_RL Vase MoM trophy ðŸ‘🼠pic.twitter.com/WUdVYWXuiJ
— Sean Mellor (@seanbigfellamel) July 9, 2016
[[MULTI_IMAGE3]][[MULTI_IMAGE4]]
Then, in the Shield final, this first-half try helped Brentwood Eels lead North Herts Crusaders 14-10 at half time...
In the @East_RL Shield Final @BrentwoodRL squeeze over the @NHertsCrusaders line to level the scores at 4-4 pic.twitter.com/CpbbXfjzuT
— Sean Mellor (@seanbigfellamel) July 9, 2016
An enthralling second period followed thereafter and it was the Eels who held on, taking home the shield with a hard-earned 32-26 win.
Final score @East_RL Shield Final 32-26
— Sean Mellor (@seanbigfellamel) July 9, 2016
Congratulations to @BrentwoodRL
Well played finalists @NHertsCrusaders pic.twitter.com/tQfmL0KfWG
The East Rugby League season is well underway, with plenty of games coming up.
For more information, click HERE.
