Bedford Tigers

Infobox_esl_club | clubname = Bedford Tigers


fullname = "Bedford Tigers RLFC"
emblem = Tiger
colours = Grey, Light Blue, Navy Blue and Yellow (2004-2006) In 2007 Sky Blue and Navy Blue. In 2008 all Black
founded = 2004
sport = Rugby league
league = 1st Grade - Rugby League Conference Midlands Premier. The Development Team (2nds) play in the LARL London Amateur Rugby League competition
ground = Bedford International Athletics Stadium
web = [http://www.bedfordrugby.com www.bedfordrugby.com]

Bedford Tigers RLFC [ [http://www.bedfordrugby.com/news.php The Home of the Bedford Tigers RLFC ] ] is a rugby league club based in Bedford, England. The first team plays in the Rugby League Conference, with a second team in the London League. [ [http://www.bedfordrugby.com/faq.php?cat_id=1 The Home of the Bedford Tigers RLFC ] ]

History

The Bedford Tigers Rugby League Football Club was formed in early 2004 by current Tigers Chairman Andy Buckley with the assistance of the then Tigers coach, Abe Kerr.

Rugby League had been played previously in Bedford from 1997 through to the summer of 2002 under the control of the Bedford Swifts Rugby Union club who operated a league team in the summer competitions. However, the Swifts decided at the conclusion of the 2002 summer season to cease operations.

Andy Buckley, an avid rugby league enthusiast believed that there was sufficient support amongst the local community for a rugby league club and formed the Tigers with the belief that the south of England would embrace rugby league more readily if presented with professionally run goal orientated and successful amateur rugby league teams and the Bedford community was therefore presented with the Bedford Tigers RLFC.

In their debut season in 2004 the Tigers played 'friendlies' in the LARL and gave the opportunity for many players to try the game of league for the first time. Over 45 different players represented the Tigers in the LARL and the Tigers performed above all expectations to make the final of the LARL. But narrowly lost to the Haringey Hornets in a cracker of game at the grass roots level.

In season 2005 the Bedford Tigers stepped up a division from the LARL into the TOTALRL.COM Eastern Region Summer conference and competed with the best amateur clubs across Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Greater London.

In 2005 the club entered the RLC competition for the first time. The Eastern Division was keenly contested but the Tigers struggled with the step up in standards of this higher League. The Tigers finished 5th with only Luton 2nds finishing lower. However, midway through the season the club began to find its feet and the seeds of success were sown for 2006.

The step up in standard was always going to be tough ask for the Tigers; and although the club managed a couple of strong victories it was a long season with several crushing defeats.

In early 2006 the Tigers committee accepted the proposal of Australian rugby league player, Christopher Potts to coach the side season 2006. Chris Potts brought a renewed sense of direction to the club in 2006 and clearly set out ambitious goals for the upcoming season.

As a coach, Chris encouraged the club to adopt the mantra of ‘100% professionalism’ in everything it does. And the Tigers in season 2006 became known as a club that leaves no stone unturned in its quest for success. And the club now provides amateur players with the rare and unique opportunity to experience what its like to play for a professional rugby league team.

In season 2006, the club expanded its on field capacity to include both a 1st grade side and a newly formed Development side that would provide the opportunity for the club to provide new players with the opportunity to experience rugby league.

Several committee meetings in early 2006 saw the implementation of a plan of action for season 2006 and through the drive of Chris Potts and the support of the committee as a whole; an aggressive player recruitment drive was put in motion, and essential off field club areas of responsibility such as sponsorship, media coverage, marketing and advertising, the clubs website and so on were more focussed upon.

With record player numbers in season 2006 the club experienced a tremendous season of success both on and off field.

The Bedford Tiger’s 1st grade side were crowned 2006 Eastern Region Champions and what an achievement this was considering the side finished on the bottom of the league table in 2005. The club also reached the semi final of the National Amateur Rugby League knock out competition.

The Bedford Tigers Development side were semi finalists in the LARL – London Amateur Rugby League and from an off field perspective club spirit and profitability reached new levels of achievement.

The success of the 2006 season has now marked the Tigers club as a club to watch in rugby league circles. And many challenges now lay ahead in 2007. With club funds at a minimum, sponsor is now required to take rugby league to the next level in Bedfordshire. Rugby League, a priority sport in the opinion of Sports England has found a home in Bedford however to ensure its continued growth and the success of the Tigers, we believe that we must develop the youth sector.

Long term however the Tigers wish to firmly establish themselves over the next two seasons as the strongest amateur rugby league club in the South of England. From there, it is the ambition of the club to develop themselves into an alternative to the highly regarded and widely supported Bedford Blues Rugby Union club as a summer alternative for a competitive contact sport for the towns sporting fans and eventually compete in the National level competitions for semi professional and professional rugby league clubs.

The Tigers were hoping for promotion in season 2007 into the Southern Premier League however the RFL rejected the application on the basis that 'promotion would not leave enough teams in the Eastern Conference to form a competition'.

So the Tigers remained in the East Region conference for season 2007.

With Chris Potts retained as Director of rugby and former player Phil Walker assuming the role of Club Chairman, season 2007 holds much promise for the club.

Former St Ives assistant Coach, Steve Howe agreed to come on board as the Tigers Development side coach for season 2007 and this assisted in the further development of the Tigers player base.

Over the course of the 2007 regular season the Tigers 1st grade side played 12 games for 10 victories and won the Minor Premiership.

Whilst the Development side contested 10 London League fixtures for 5 wins and 5 losses. A committee decision was made in late July to not contest the London League finals with the 2007 Development side mainly due to player unavailability. The Tigers were crowned champions of the Eastern Region again in season 2007 after a strong 20 - 16 victory over rivals the St Ives Roosters in the Grand Final on Saturday the 11th of August. St Ives, proved formidable opponents over the second half of the season that saw them play some of their best rugby, however the Tigers once again peaked at the business end of the season largely to the magnificent performances from Captain and front rower Sam Richbell and Nathan Reed at hooker. The Grand final however witnessed a horrible injury to the Tigers star fullback Rich Sinclair (broken ankle) but the strength in depth at the club was clearly evident as the Tigers took on the mighty Bristol Sonics the following Saturday in the National Quarter Final. With the TigerDome being unavailable, the game was played at Rushden Rugby club (10miles north of Bedford) and the club was pleased to be able to take the game to Rushden as a gesture of goodwill and a message of thanks for the many players from Rushden who have joined the Tigers over the years.

The Tigers battled in tough conditions against the Sonics who were led by the brilliant Dom Swann and 17 year rising star Harry Morson. And the game seemed to be out of Bedford's reach until Sam Richbell single handidly grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and produced a devastating 15 minute display of pace and power. With the Tigers scoring in the 78th minute to seal the game and progress into the National Semi Final!. Nathan Reed however tore a hamstring and missed almost 60 minutes which severely affected the Tigers performance and cohesion and would come back to haunt the Tigers down the track.

The Semi final was against the Plymouth Titans and the game ironically was to be played down in Bristol on the Sunday. The Tigers management took the team into camp for the weekend and the players enjoyed the opportunity to 'live like a professional player' for the weekend as no stone was left unturned with 4 star hotels, a team dinner etc. This certainly contributed to the Tigers performance as despite missing Rich Sinclair, the Tigers overturned the massive Titans side with several strong tries and a clinical second half performance. Sam Richbell again proved the in-form prop in the RLC as he tackled everything that came his way whilst Nathan Reed and Simon Bevan at hooker constantly probed the defence for spaces. Matt Hughes played his best game in the pack and all this space gave Chris Potts at 7 and Dan Sharpe at 6 the time and space to finish off opportunity. Chris Aubury on the wing was outstanding as he constantly snuffed out Titans kicks whilst Chris Lee in the No.1 jersey played brilliantly under huge amounts of pressure.

With victory the Tigers claimed the unofficial title of 'South of England' champions (not bad for only their 4th year of existence!) and can proudly claim to be one of the best 'fully amateur' clubs in the country. A true testament to the commitment of the players at the club and the leadership of the coaching and management staff.

The Tigers prepared for the National Grand Final in Coventry by again going into camp and an emotional team jersey presentation on the Saturday night set the tone for what would be the biggest occasion of most of the players careers. The Widnes Saints, were the highly fancied favourites through their unquestionable league experience but the Tigers certainly gave them a fright. With Jamie Goss returning from knee surgery in time for the game, the Tigers put out one of their strongest lineups ever and were condfident of an upset.

The Tigers side that day was -

Rich Sinclair (injured - Did not play) Simon Bevan, Chris Lee, Cameron Allsop, Marrick Murphy, Chris Aubury, Dan Sharpe, Chris Potts (VC/Coach), Jamie Goss, Nathan Reed, Sam Richbell (C), Gary Flook, David Rowling, Matt Hughes Bench - Graham MaGill, Dan Baroux, Jamie Stead, Jack Brown (Squad for National Campaign - Craig Walker, Rob Ashton, Andrew Grounds, Stuart Riding, Mark Whybrow, David Cox, Paul Houghton and Paul Robson)

Several Widnes players from their senior 'professional' team played in this amateur game and their experience and skill proved the difference at the end of the day. The Tigers however, certainly put piad to any suggestions that 'SOUTHERNERS' can't play the game or are 'soft' as the Northern boys like to call us.

Leading at half time through a great Nathan Reed try the turning point in the game was that Reed tore his hamstring again and took no further part in the game, a huge blow to the Tigers chances. The league 'savvy' and experience of Widnes players enabled them to haul the game back despite the best efforts of Graham MaGill and Sam Richbell.

The Tigers were brave and gallant in defeat. The side battled gamely and also devastated in defeat the team were very proud of their efforts in 2007 and the bonds formed within the playing ranks as the boys 'lived the dream' and fulfilled childhood dreams of living like a professional players over the 3-4 week finals campaign are memories that will not be forgotten easily.

At the end of the day the Tigers enjoyed their most successful season to date. Off the field, financially the club generated more income than ever before but the cost of the finals campaign has once again bled the club dry. A renewed effort from Chris Potts and the sponsorship team over the off season will hopefully yield more sponsors and funds for the club.

Record players numbers again in 2007 and some very encouraging players coming through like Jack Brown and Chris Lee will propel the Tigers onwards and upwards. But the importance of retaining players such as Murphy, Allsop, Richbell, Reed and Goss is paramount.

Back to Back Eastern Region championships and now a National Cup final in just 4 years marks the Tigers as one of the up and coming clubs in not just rugby league but sport in general.

The future hold much promise and during the 2007/2008 The RLC informed the Bedford Tigers that they are to be promoted into the Midland Premier Division for season 2008. At premier level you have competitions in the South, North East, North West and Midlands and the Tigers will compete against Nottingham, Somerset, Derby, Leicester, Coventry, Gloucester and Birmingham and so on at the highest level of 'amateur' summer rugby league).

Bedford Tigers Sponsors

The Tigers have been very fortunate to have the support of Corona as a major sponsor since 2005 however in 2008 Paragon Security Services have taken over this honour.

However in 2008, additional sponsors affiliating themselves with the club include The Hobgoblin Pub in Bedford, Red Stripe, and Lee Crawford Electrical Services Ltd whilst Corona are still supporters.

The major sponsors for 2008 include DMU Univeristy of Bedfordshire as shorts sponsor, Paragon Security Services as the major club sponsor and a lucrative kit deal was signed with ZOTI for 2008 and beyond.

Honours

*RLC National Runners Up (Widnes Saints crowned Champions in the National Grand Final)
*RLC South of England Champions - 2007 (After defeating the Plymouth Titans in the Semi Final of the National Cup)
*RLC Eastern Division: Champions - 2007 (Back to Back Championships!)
*RLC Eastern Division: Champions - 2006
*London Amateur Rugby League: Runners-up - 2004 and Semi Finalists with the Development team in 2006
*Sport Bedford Awards (Bedford County Council): Team of the Year - 2006
*Christopher Potts - Finalist 'Coach of the Year' - Sport Bedford Awards - 2006
*Christopher Potts - Nominated for 'Coach of the Year' - RLC Awards 2007
*Jamie Goss - Nominated for 'Player of the Year' - RLC Awards 2007
*Sport Bedford Awards (Bedford County Council): Finalist Team of the Year 2006
*Christopher Potts - Finalist 'Coach of the Year' - Sport Bedford Awards - 2007

Representative Achievements (As at 14/08/2007)

East Region Representatives -

*2005 - Christopher Potts, Tony Pullen and Shane Moulds
*2006 - James Bull, Sam Richbell, Jamie Stead and Lee Clayton
*2007 - Chris Aubury, Gary Flook (C), Dan Sharp, Simon Bevan, Matt Hughes and Stuart Riding
*2008 - Chris Aubury and Rich Sinclair

South of England Representatives -

*2006 - Sam Richbell and Lee Clayton v London and South East and North of England (Origin match)
*2007 - Gary Flook and Stuart Riding v North of England (Origin Match)
*2007 - Chris Aubury v Royal Navy and RAF
*2008 - Rich Sinclair and Chris Aubury

England Lionhearts 'A' Representatives -

*2007 - Gary Flook

England Lionhearts Representatives -

*2002 - David Cox and Mark Whybrow (Whilst playing for Bedford Swifts Rugby League)
*2006 - Sam Richbell (training squad)
*2008 - Rich Sinclair (V Scotland)

Other notable representative achievements from Tigers players in the past include -

*Dean 'Digger' Coleman - Conference Dream Team selection in 2004
*Marrick Murphy - Ireland Wolfhounds v Australia and v USA (2 caps and 3 tries)
*Matt Hughes - Australian Aboriginals 2005
*Gary Flook - Pakistan Rugby league squad 2006
*Andy Wight - Scotland 9's team - London Nines 2006
*Stuart Riding and Richie Sinclair - London 9's rep team - London Nines 2006
*Simon Bevan - Wales 'A' representative 2003/2004
*Parvase Khan - Saudi Arabia - World Cup 1982
*Jamie Goss - Combined Services, Royal Navy Rugby League, BARLA, GB Amateurs
*Chris Lee - Chinese Red Army Rugby League tour of Nepal and outer Mongolia 2006

Club Records 1st XIII

*Record Victory - 100 - 00 v Leicester Phoenix 2008
*Highest Score - 100 - 00, v Leicester Phoenix 2008
*Most tries in a game - 18 tries v Leicester Phoenix 2008

Individual Records 1st XIII (As at 1/6/2008)

*Tries in a Season - 13 - Stuart Riding, 2006
*Tries in a Career - 21 - Rich Sinclair 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008
*Tries in a Match - 4 tries to Zander Pedan v Leicester Phoenix 2008. 4 tries to Jamie Goss v Cambridge Eagles in 2007 and 4 tries to Marcus Dracup v Luton Vipers in 2004
*Tries on debut - 4 tries to Zander Pedan v Leicester Phoenix 2008
*Goals in a Season - 56 - Chris Potts, 2006.
*Goals in a Career - 142 - Chris Potts, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008
*Goals in a Match - 14 - Chris Potts v Leicester Phoenix 2008
*Most Points in a Season - 112 - Chris Potts, 2006.
*Most Points in a Career - 337 - Chris Potts, 2004,2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
*Most Points in a Match - 28 - Chris Potts v Leicester Phoenix, 2008 (14 goals)
*Most Appearances - 47 - Chris Potts, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

Individuals Records 2nd XIII / Development Side

*Tries in a Match - 6 - Robert Harris v St Albans Centurions 2nds, 2007
*Goals in a Match - 11 from 12 - Robert Ashton v St Albans Centurions 2nds, 2007
*Points in a Match - 24 - Robert Harris v St Albans Centurions 2nds, 2007 (6T)

Club Award Winners

Season 2004 - Tigers 1st Grade

*Clubman of the Year - Andy Buckley
*Top Tryscorer - Tommy McCollin
*Top Pointscorer - Tommy McCollin

Season 2005 - Tigers 1st Grade

*Clubman of the Year - Phil Walker
*Player of the Year - Dean 'Digger' Coleman
*Young Player of the Year - Alistair Veitch
*Most Improved - Brian McNamara
*Impact Player - Sam Richbell
*Top Pointscorer - Christopher Potts
*Top Tryscorer - Dean 'Digger' Coleman

Season 2006 - Tigers 1st Grade

*Clubman of the Year - Christopher Potts
*Bedford Tigers Player of the Year - Stuart Riding
*1st Grade Players Player - Stuart Riding
*Man of Steel 'Top Tackler' Award - Jamie Stead
*Most Improved - James Bull
*Impact Player - Gary Flook
*Top Pointscorer - Christopher Potts
*Top Tryscorer - Stuart Riding

Season 2006 - Tigers Development Side

*Development Side Players Player - Phil Walker
*Top Pointscorer - Phil Walker
*Top Tryscorer - Mike Williams

Season 2007 - Tigers 1st Grade

*Clubman of the Year - Chris 'The Tradesman' Aubury
*Bedford Tigers Player of the Year - Nathan Reed
*1st Grade Players Player - Sam Richbell
*Most Improved - Paul Robson
*Impact Player - Marrick Murphy
*Top Pointscorer - Christopher Potts
*Top Tryscorer - Nathan Reed
*Best Back - Chris Lee
*Best Forward - Jamie Goss
*Young Player of the Year - Jack Brown
*Club Captains Award (For outstanding ahievement on and off the field and going above and beyond all expectations) - Rob Ashton and Craig Walker

Season 2007 - Tigers Development Side

*Development Team Players Player - Dan Baroux
*Top Pointscorer - Rob Ashton