As the saying goes, "all good things come to an end".

The 2025 Bedford Tigers mens side delivered on so many levels. Most points scored in a season. Fewest points conceded in a season. Most tries scored in a season. Beating teams we've never beaten. Finishing higher than we've ever finished. Highest average crowd ever (149)

Our remit was simple but ambitious at the start of the year. Have the best season we've ever had. The recruitment was robust. The standards raised. The expectation set. The excitement palpable.

This new squad got to work back in December and didn't stop right through until Saturday's playoff game.

New relationships off the field and behind the scenes with the likes of London Broncos, a new business consultant, new treasurer, new sponsors and other key partners all contributed to the new direction and "New Era" as it was billed.

Saturday's game may have ended in disappointment but in truth it helped to highlight the things that still need work. There's no shame in being humbled if you are able to take it on the chin and learn from it.

For large parts of the game you wouldn't know we went in as underdogs. Even by their own admission, the reigning champions were, "on the ropes a fair bit" and, "were worried at times," but showed their champion class to control the scoreboard through a turbulent second half period.

Tries from Essad Al-Zubeidi and Henry Higginson had us level just before the break but a sin bin period either side of half time proved too costly and when we returned to 13 men we were two scores worse off. A wound we would struggle to recover from.

In spite of the loss and obvious disappointment the playing group recognise what they have done this year. Its something to be immensely proud of and will carry forward in to 2026.

With a well deserved off season now upon us, it's time to start preparations for 2026. Bigger and better things lay ahead as we continue our push towards a more professional era.

Thank you to everyone who supported us through the season. From sponsors to fans. You are all as much a part of this club as the lads pulling the shirts on.

Photo: Mediapac Sports Photography