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(Posted 6/5/08, DJO)
The Blues made history at Franklin’s Gardens by becoming the first ever side to retain the National Colts Knock Out Cup by defeating Nuneaton by 33pts – 16pts. Two clubs have won the trophy twice previously; London Irish (in 1999 and 2003) and Bath (2000, 2002); but no club has ever won the trophy in consecutive years.
The Blues took a lead of 16pts - 6pts at half time through tries from James Knight and Duncan Taylor and two penalties from Luke Radley. 2nd half tries from Tom Armes and David Kingsbury, and a penalty and 2 conversions from Radley completed the Blues scoring.
John Mitchell helps the Blues Colts celebrate
This was a tough game for the Blues. As holders and favorites a lot was expected of them. Nuneaton, who had lost to the Blues twice this season, are a good side and have won 26 of their 31 games this season, scoring nearly 1,000 points. They put Bedford under pressure on a number of occasions. The Blues defence was effective for most of the game, but credit must go to Nuneaton for taking advantage of Bedford when they were down to 14 men and scoring two good tries wide out.
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Knight in Defence |
Shane Allen, Denis Ormesher and Tom Williams |
Shane Allen and John Mitchell |
Tom Williams, last year’s captain, and Shane Allen, this year’s captain, are seen above at Goldington Road after the game where the Colts presented supporter John Mitchell with a framed signed photo of John with the squad, taken after the London Welsh semi-final.
For Match Report see ...... here
To Return to Top of Page ... here
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(Posted 4/5/08, DJO)
Bedford Colts have announced their line up for the National Colts Cup Final against Nuneaton at Franklin’s Gardens on Monday.
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Team |
Substitutes |
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1 |
Michael Skinner |
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2 |
Chris Locke |
Pat Reed |
3 |
Jordan McIntyre |
James Wright |
4 |
Shane Allen (capt) |
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5 |
Carl Siudak |
Tom Lenton |
6 |
Jack Micans |
Oliver Pickett |
7 |
Jamie Wilkins |
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8 |
Tom Armes |
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9 |
Darryl Veenendaal |
Tom Wilmore |
10 |
Jack Hoyles |
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11 |
Gareth Clarke |
David Kingsbury |
12 |
Duncan Taylor |
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13 |
James Knight |
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14 |
Adam Martin |
Corey Hircock |
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15 |
Luke Radley |
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The Blues select from a full strength squad. Gareth Clarke returns from injury on the wing with David Kingsbury moving to the bench. Darryl Veenendaal, who appeared for Northampton Saints Wanderers in the Guinness A league final against Wasps recently, starts at 9 with Tom Wilmore on the bench.
Bedford, the current Cup holders, make their fourth appearance in the Colts Cup Finals day at Franklins Gardens. Their first appearance was in 2002 when they lost the Plate final by 14pts - 0 to a Gloucester side containing Marcel Garvey (now playing for Worcester in the Premiership). They returned in 2004 when they lost in the Cup final by 25pts - 7pts to a Leeds Tykes side containing winger David Doherty (now playing Wasps 1st XV) and scrum half Danny Care (now playing at Harlequins and for the England 7s squad). The Blues were back at the Finals last year when they won the trophy beating Redruth by 30pts - 5pts.
The Blues are attempting to become the first ever side to retain the trophy. Two clubs have won the trophy twice previously; London Irish (in 1999 and 2003) and Bath (2000 and 2002); but no club has ever won the trophy in consecutive years.
Five of the Blues’ squad appeared in last year's final; Chris Locke, James Wright, Shane Allen, Duncan Taylor and Luke Radley, with Locke making his 3rd consecutive appearance in the final, having been on the losing side for Old Northamptonians in 2006.
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(Posted 23/4/08, DJO)
Bedford Colts have announced their squad to play away against Leeds this Saturday.
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Team |
Substitutes |
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1 |
Michael Skinner |
Sam Pacey |
2 |
Chris Locke |
Pat Reed |
3 |
Jordan McIntyre |
James Wright |
4 |
Shane Allen (capt) |
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5 |
Carl Siudak |
Tom Lenton |
6 |
Jack Miccans |
Ollie Pickett |
7 |
Jamie Wilkins |
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8 |
Tom Armes |
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9 |
Darryl Veenendaal |
Tom Wilmore |
10 |
Jack Hoyles |
Jack Wrigglesworth |
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11 |
David Kingsbury |
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12 |
Duncan Taylor |
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13 |
James Knight |
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14 |
Adam Martin |
Corey Hircock |
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15 |
Luke Radley |
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The Blues have made two changes from the starting line-up that beat London Welsh in their National Colts Knock Out Semi-final two weeks ago.
Darryl Veenendaal is given a start at 9 and Adam Martin starts on the wing.
The Blues last played Leeds in November when they lost a close game by 10pts - 0 at Russell Park.
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Bedford Colts Training Plans
(Posted 22/4/08, DJO)
Training on Wednesday 23/4 will be at the Bedford International Athletic Stadium, Barker's Lane, Bedford - meet 6.45 pm - Start 7.00 pm.
For latest Training and Match Schedules ... see here
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Bedford Colts 18 pts: London Welsh 8 pts:
(Posted 13/4/08, DJO)
With a crowd of around 500 the Blues Colts moved into the Final of the National Colts Knock Out Cup in a tight game against a strong London Welsh side. Ahead by 10pts - 3pts at half time the Blues, down to 13 men because of two sin binnings, put up an outstanding defensive performance to end as winners by 18pts – 8pts.
Blues Colts Squad, with supporter John Mitchell, after the London Welsh game.
Blues tries came fromn centres James Knight and Duncan Taylor with full back Luke Radley kicked two penalties and a conversion.
Whilst a win in a very tight semi-final is to be celebrated there is a lot of hard work to be done over the next few weeks. The Blues lack of discipline conceded far too many penalties and, although the back line looked good on the break, the Blues need to be more patient and develop phases rather than forcing the pass. The Blues defence, individually and collectively, was outstanding and is a real strength of the squad.
The Blues will play Nuneaton in the final on Monday May 5th at Franklin’s Gardens. Nuneaton beat Dudley Kingswinford 14pts - 5pts in the other semi. Bedford, who won the Cup last year defeating Redruth by 30pts – 5pts, will be attempting to become the first ever side to retain the trophy. Two clubs have won the trophy twice previously; London Irish (in 1999 and 2003) and Bath (2000 and 2002); but no club has ever won the trophy in consecutive years.
For Match Report see ...... here
For Match photos from Nigel Rudgard see ... here
To Return to Top of Page ... here
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(Posted 28/3/08, DJO)
Bedford Colts have announced their squad to play their semi-final game in the National Colts Knock Out Cup, this Saturday against London Welsh. The Blues have made two changes from the starting line-up that convincingly out played the USA last week. Flanker Shane Allen moves to the second row to take the place of Joe Allen, who left on his gap year travels to Thailand this week. Jamie Wilkins starts at open side. Jack Hoyles, unavailable last week, takes over from Jack Wriggglesworth at fly half.
Bedford last met London Welsh Colts in the Cup 5 years ago when Bedford won away by 20pts - 11pts before going on to lose to Gloucester in the Quarter Final.
Nuneaton are drawn at home and meet Dudley Kingswinford in the other Semi Final.
The game is at Goldington Road and kicks off at 2.30 pm. This is the last Colts home game of the season at Goldington Road.
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Team |
Substitutes |
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1 |
Michael Skinner |
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2 |
Chris Locke |
Pat Reed |
3 |
Jordan McIntyre |
James Wright |
4 |
Shane Allen (capt) |
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5 |
Carl Siudak |
Tom Lenton |
6 |
Jack Miccans |
Ollie Pickett |
7 |
Jamie Wilkins |
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8 |
Tom Armes |
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9 |
Tom Wilmore |
Darryl Veenendaal |
10 |
Jack Hoyles |
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11 |
David Kingsbury |
Ashley Harvey |
12 |
Duncan Taylor |
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13 |
James Knight |
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14 |
Gareth Clarke |
Corey Hircock |
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15 |
Luke Radley |
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To Return to Top of Page ... here
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(Posted 29/3/08, DJO)
Bedford were too strong for the USA National team beating them by 50 pts - 3 pts at Goldington Road. Bedford played the open syle of game they have been developing this season and through power, pace and support were too strong for the USA.
Bedford went into a half time lead with 1st half tries from Joe Allen, Shane Allen and James Knight. The Blues stretched their lead with 2nd half tries from Duncan Taylor, Ashley Harvey, James Knight and Tom Armes (2), and 5 conversions from Luke Radley.
“Man-of-the-Match” ? Without a doubt - Jack Micans - started at blind side flanker, moved to 2nd row and then moved to prop - yet still the most mobile Blues forward - everywhere in support - highlights being the tries he set up for his back row colleague Shane Allen in the 1st half - and winger Ashley Harvey in the 2nd half with a 40 metre break and a deft inside pass to Ash in support. With flanker Allen and No.8 Armes, a very effective back row unit. The quality of the Blues performance in very difficult conditions was good and their ability to increase the tempo of the game as it progressed showed the mental focus they are developing and the fitness level they have reached.
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Jack Micans, Flanker |
USA show how to tackle | Siudak takes on the Eagles |
Bedford will focus their training over the next 2 weeks on their National Colts Cup Semi Final against London Welsh - Saturday April 12th, KO 3 pm @ Goldington Road.
For Match Report see ...... here
To Return to Top of Page ... here
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(Posted 28/3/08, DJO)
Bedford Colts have announced their squad to play the USA Eagles U18 team tomorrow.
The Blues select from a near full strength squad with only one change from the starting line up in their last game (the 98-8 Cup Quarter Final defeat of Caldy) - fly half Jack Hoyles is unavailable so Jack Wrigglesworth starts at 10. Wrigglesworth has put is some fine performances recently for the East Midlands U20s squad in the County Championship. Winger Ashley Harvey returns after a 5 week injury layoff and has a place on the bench, and winger Gareth Clarke, scorer of 11 tries in the last 4 games, is fit to start. Joe Allen plays his last home game for the Blues at Goldington Road before disappearing on "Gap Year Travels" to Thailand after the away game at Hertford next week.
The USA Team are an unknown quantity but are expected to offer a very physical challenge to the Blues. The game is the first of the Eagles three match tour - they go on to play Northampton Saints on April 1 and Doncaster on April 5.
The game is at Goldington Road and kicks off at 3.00 pm.
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Jack Wrigglesworth |
Joe Allen |
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Ashley Harvey |
Gareth Clarke |
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Team |
Substitutes |
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1 |
Michael Skinner |
Harry Roberts |
2 |
Chris Locke |
Pat Reed |
3 |
Jordan McIntyre |
Ben Ashby |
4 |
Joe Allen |
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5 |
Carl Siudak |
Anders Nilsson |
6 |
Jack Miccans |
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7 |
Shane Allen (capt) |
Jamie Wilkins |
8 |
Tom Armes |
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9 |
Tom Wilmore |
David Graham |
10 |
Jack Wrigglesworth |
Anthony Fenner |
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11 |
David Kingsbury |
Ashley Harvey |
12 |
Duncan Taylor |
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13 |
James Knight |
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14 |
Gareth Clarke |
Corey Hircock |
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15 |
Luke Radley |
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(Posted 26/3/08, DJO)
The USA Eagles U18 squad arrive in the UK today for their 3 match tour which kicks off against the Blues Colts on Saturday March 29th KO 3 pm at Goldington Road.
The Eagles are coached by ex Blues Academy Coach, Stuart Low, who was recently appointed Head Coach for the USA U18 squad. Stuart worked as one of the Blues Academy Coaches for three years. He coached the Blues U17s, and then U19s, before moving out to work in Florida two years ago. Stuart Low at a cold Goldington Road Academy Training Session before he moved to the warmth of Florida |
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From the USA Rugby website ……………..
USA Rugby Under-18 Boys National Team Set for England Tour
BOULDER, Colo. -- The USA Rugby U18 National Team continues on its development pathway with a three match England tour from March 27-April 6. Twenty-eight players, many of whom represented the USA U18s at the Freedom Cup event in February, have been selected for the tour. The U18s will spend most of their time at an RAF base in Lincolnshire, team building, and enhancing core skills, in preparation for matches against top quality opposition from three English academies. The squad kicks off its tour against the Bedford Blues Academy on March 29, meets the Northampton Saints Academy on April 1, and wraps up the tour at Doncaster on April 5.
“Gaining exposure in environments where rugby is strong is a major step for many of these young Eagles. It will give them some of the many skills they need to one day wear the Senior Eagles jersey,” USA U18 Head Coach Stuart Low said. “The U18 squad is a strong unit and is excited about the trip - the UK clubs are primed and need to prepare for the Eagles’ landing!”
The Under-18s chosen for the England tour include:
Forwards - Josh Alden (Woodlands), Tim Barford (Atlanta), Louis Baugier (Fairfield Prep), Andres Diaz (St. Thomas), Cameron Dolan (Naples Rugby Club), Adam Howland (Westside), Daniel Ibarra (Hong Kong), Kevin Kimble (New Rochelle H.S.), Jordan Maitland (Gonzaga), Mick Newkumet (Gonzaga), Wade Reynolds (Tacoma), Nick Roach (Katy), Hunter Simmons (LA Cougars), and Andy Stevick (Midwest).
Backs – Sam Anderson (Central High RFC), Johnson Bademosi (Gonzaga), Jared Braun (Peninsula Green), Kyle Caravelli (Fairfield Prep), Curtis Chaffin (Katy), Dustin Croy (Eastern Rockies), Casey Cummings (Kansas City), Brad Harrington (San Diego Mustangs), Josh Heckman (Iowa), Brian Hussey (Trojans), Jeff Levasseur (Charlotte Catholic), Brett Thompson (Arizona), Pat Van Horn (Blackhearts), and Collin Yip (Middlesex).
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Colts Semi Final date confirmed
(Posted 20/3/08, DJO)
Bedford Colts Semi Final game vs London Welsh is now confirmed for Saturday 12th April kick Off 2.30 pm.
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Colts drawn at home in Semi Final
(Posted 18/3/08, DJO)
Bedford Colts have been drawn to play London Welsh at home in the Semi Finals of the National Colts Knock Out Cup. The Blues are in discussions with London Welsh regarding the date and hope the game will be played on Saturday 12th April at Goldington Road
Bedford last met London Welsh Colts in the Cup 5 years ago when Bedford won away by 20pts - 11pts before going on to lose to Gloucester in the Quarter Final.
Nuneaton are drawn at home and meet Dudley Kingswinford in the other Semi Final.
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Round 6 Cup Results
(Posted 18/3/08, DJO)
Bedford Blues will hear who their opponents will be in the Semi-Final of the National Colts Knock Out Cup when the draw is done later today
The results for the 5th Round are below;
Bedford Blues |
98 – 8 |
Caldy |
Nuneaton |
35 - 20 |
Torquay |
Dudley Kings Winford |
17 – 5 |
Colchester |
Oldfield Old Boys |
13 - 19 |
London Welsh |
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(Posted 15/3/08, DJO)
Bedford moved into the Semi Finals of the National Colts Knock Out Cup with an emphatic win by 98pts – 8pts against Caldy at Goldington Road. Caldy were outclassed by a Blues side that played a game of off-loading and support that delighted the crowd at Goldington Road. The Blues were 45pts – 8pts up at half time and kept playing rugby right to the end, scoring a further 53 pts in the second half.
The Front Row Union
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Jordan McIntyre |
Chris Locke |
Micky Skinner |
This was a very good performance with the Blues showing great discipline to stick to their game plan and to keep the tempo of the game high. The Blues squad was a mix of ages with the youngsters (5 Under 17s and 7 Under 18s) all performing well. The support play from backs and forwards was outstanding and the ability of the whole team to offload to support, to keep the ball alive, and to change the point of attack, led to 16 tries, and a demo of how rugby should be played.
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Gareth Clarke |
Jack Micans |
Luke Radley |
The Blues now have a week off, with no game over Easter, before their next game – a home game against the USA Eagles (coached by former Blues Academy Coach Stuart Low), in two weeks time. The Blues will find out their semi-final opponents when the draw for the Semis is done tomorrow.
For Match Report see ...... here
For Match photos from Nigel Rudgard see... here
To Return to Top of Page ... select here
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Colts invited to train with 1st XV
(Posted 12/3/08, DJO)
Seven members of the Bedford Academy Colts side have been invited to train with the Blues 1st XV during March as part of the Blues Academy Player Development process. The players are Chris Locke (hooker), Jack Micans (flanker), Shane Allen (flanker), Joe Allen (No.8), Jack Hoyles (fly half), James Knight (centre) and Luke Radley (full back).
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Chris Locke, Hooker
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Shane Allen, Flanker |
Jack Micans, Flanker |
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Joe Allen, Flanker/No 8
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Jack Hoyles, Fly Half |
James Knight, Centre |
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Luke Radley, Full Back |
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Blues Academy Manager Denis Ormesher said …..
“All seven have been playing well and we have invited them to train with the Blues 1st XV during March. They have been on Conditioning Programmes for some months to prepare them physically for the step up into adult rugby next year. Depending how they perform in March we may repeat this during April and then look to see who will be invited to join the 1st XV for pre-season training. Our objective is to help them, perform at the highest level they can”
“Three of the Blues Colts from last season (Will Chudley, Jamie Russell and Peter Clarke) went through a similar process last year and were offered Development contracts with the Blues last summer. If one or two of this years squad perform well over the next few months they could be in a similar position this summer. If not they will learn a lot that will make them better rugby players wherever they play in future.”
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Colts announce squad to face Caldy in Quarter Final
(Posted 12/3/08, DJO)
Bedford Colts have announced their squad to play Caldy, in the Quarter Final of the National Colts Knock Out Cup at Goldington Road on Saturday. The game will kick off at 2.00 pm with live 6 Nations Rugby on TV in the Scum Hall from 1.00 pm. This will allow players and supporters to watch the England vs Ireland 6 Nations game, which kicks off at 3.00 pm.
Bedford last played Caldy 4 years ago when Bedford won by 46pts – 0 at Goldington Road, in the Quarter Finals of the National Colts Cup. Bedford went on to defeat Maidenhead in the semi-final before losing to Leeds Tykes in the final at Franklin’s Gardens.
Bedford select from a full strength squad, and are captained by flanker Shane Allen.
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Team |
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Substitutes |
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1 |
Michael Skinner |
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2 |
Chris Locke |
16 |
Luke Levitt |
3 |
Jordan McIntyre |
17 |
James Wright |
4 |
Joe Allen |
18 |
Tom Lenton |
5 |
Carl Siudak |
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6 |
Jack Miccans |
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7 |
Shane Allen (capt) |
19 |
Jamie Wilkins |
8 |
Tom Armes |
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9 |
Tom Wilmore |
20 |
David Graham |
10 |
Jack Hoyles |
21 |
Darryl Veenendaal |
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11 |
David Kingsbury |
22 |