Queens took on a Bedfordshire County XV at Goldington Road, the home of the Bedford Blues, to kick off their centenary season. The County side was a mix of players from Bedford Swifts, Bedford Athletic, Stockwood Park, Bedford Modern School, Biggleswade, Chipping Norton, Bury St Edmunds, Ampthill as well as a number of Ex Queens players and a strong ex Bedford Blues players in the form of Corey Hircock (who captained the County XV), Paul Tupai alongside Ashley Tapper and John Wells who are both ex Queens.

Despite the rain a strong crowd assembled at Goldington Road with over 500 spectators producing a great atmosphere. The game reflected the conditions with lots of scrums, lots of line outs. Paul Tupai lived up to his reputation with physicality from the off that the Queens boys don't often see at their level but rather than shy away it spurned a lot of players into putting in a really gutsy tough performance.

The first score came from Queens with John Filsell smashing his way over the line from short range. Just prior to half time the county also scored following a period of pressure 7-7 at the break.

Both side would make a number of changes at half time and the County XV started the bright. Paul Tupai going through untouched to score. Queens would make further changes and the last 20 minutes saw them in the ascendency. A good break from Ben Hardman combining with Josh Steele saw the County XV scrambling back before Jack Peachey scored from short range on Debut.

Queens would almost clinch in the final minutes following a kick at goal from Paul Ryder after a Paul Tupai high tackle resulted in a penalty.

Final score 14-14 and a fair reflection of the game. Queens looked very comfortable in defence against a number of players who play at a level Queens will not face again this season.

Hard to pick out individuals but all the new debutants shone including Jack Peachey, Paul Ryder, Ben Hardman and Josh Steele.

The county's MOTM was picked out as Stockwood's Ben Griffin for his powerful ball carrying.

Huge thank you to the Blues for hosting, the sponsors on the day, ex england international Mouritz Botha for his coaching on the day and in the weeks preceding hte fixture and of course everyone who came to the match and/or the dinner. What a way to start our centenary year!

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