Bradford & Bingley 30

Bedford Athletic 17

For about 50 minutes of this National League Three North clash, the Bees were firmly in control and their visitors, who had held top spot in the division before kick-off, were being comprehensively outplayed.

Two tries in the final half-hour meant Athletic finished the game well, but they never really threatened to beat the hosts, who are beginning to play some familiar flowing rugby.

Bees head coach Geoff Wappett said after the game: "We learnt some lessons last week. We have taken those on board, but we are not there yet.

"We want to make Wagon Lane a place where people do not want to come and play. Our tackling was not what I want to see - we didn't really hurt them enough - but we are on our way."

The introduction of new signings Lisiate Tafa and Makaafi Latu, and the return of outside centre Stuart Dixon added a certain amount of steel to a Bees side that did not perform to expectations the previous week against Tynedale.

Full-blooded contributions from tight- head Peter Hall and flanker Ian Judson were at the very heart of this performance and Tongan international Makaafi, playing at the back of a rejuvenated Bees eight, introduced himself to the Wagon Lane crowd by ploughing over for a try after six minutes having taken an overthrown Bedford line-out.

Skipper Tom Rhodes added the extra points and with his earlier penalty the Wagon Lane outfit were comfortably and justifiably ten ahead.

Although the Bees were reduced to 14 men after prop Peter Hall was sin-binned, a second try from Joey Nau on the half- hour was just reward for the home side's dominance.

Rhodes added the conversion and within four minutes had added a penalty. A penalty from Bedford's Dunne meant the teams turned round at 20 points to 3.

The second half began with a blistering try from centre Tafa, who was on the end of a superbly executed move in midfield.

The debutant scorched away from the Bedford defence to put the Bees into a 25-3 lead.

Rhodes' conversion and a penalty meant the Bees entered the final 30 minutes 30-3 in front.

Excellent tries from Bedford's Aldwinckle and Groshenf were the visitors' reward as the Bees went off the boil in the final quarter.

However, the Bees faithful may have found themselves a new hero with the introduction of Noemani Tonga in the 70th minute. The young flanker's superb tackle as soon as he entered the fray was the talking point in the clubhouse bar.

That may just be the kind of tackling coach Wappett was looking for. Bedford Athletic return to Wagon Lane again on Saturday for the first round of the Powergen Cup.