Following a heavy defeat by Bedford earlier in the season, the U13s travelled away to face a rejigged Junior Blues side, determined to show their progress. The match took place on an unfamiliar 3G pitch, which played a significant role in the opening exchanges.

The Wentworth Drive outfit started strongly, with St Neots initially unable to match their early skill and dynamism at the breakdown. The unfamiliar surface contributed to a number of missed first-up tackles, allowing Bedford to capitalize. Despite a solitary try from Ed, who worked hard throughout, the Saints went into the break trailing 20–5 (4 tries to 1).

The second half saw a completely different St Neots side. The forwards set the platform with a massive scrummaging performance, utilizing dominant drives to win a number of balls against the head. Crucially, this intensity never dropped; player changes in the scrum did not weaken the performance, with the pack maintaining its dominance throughout the half.

This platform allowed St Neots to launch a stunning comeback. Ed grabbed his second of the match, loping through the defense with ease, a performance that earned him the rare distinction of being named Man of the Match by both the St Neots coaches and the Bedford opposition.

He was supported by Kian, who displayed controlled aggression in both his running and tackling to add another score. The comeback was completed when Mason, whose running from deep and astute kicking game caused difficulties for the Bedford back three all afternoon, scored a spectacular breakaway try to draw the sides level at 20-20.

With the game in the balance, Bedford managed to find one final response, utilizing a numerical advantage on the overlap to score a decisive fifth try, taking them to 25 points.

St Neots refused to give up and dominated the dying minutes, getting held up over the Bedford try line several times. Rhys led the charge right at the death, ending inches short after a powerful run. His offensive effort was matched by a tireless defensive display, as he led the way with the team's highest tackle count.

Clem consistently took down much bigger players and, on a number of occasions, made back-to-back tackles to shut down Bedford attacks with an equally strong defensive performance.

Overall, this felt like a vastly improved performance, though ultimately "one that got away." The team showed great character to fight back from a heavy first-half deficit to draw level. Looking ahead, more variety in penalty moves and sharper, more dynamic support at the breakdown, combined with not relying on one-up runners, could have turned this close contest into a comfortable win.

Hopes are high for the next few matches as the squad continues to develop.