Defeat for Army in their final Mobbs Memorial match appearance

The Army have played their last warm-up match ahead of their Inter Services campaign, which starts on Saturday 15 April against the RAF at Gloucester.

However, the 38-10 defeat by Bedford Blues also marked their last chance to commemorate the memory of Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Mobbs in a match they have played in for the last 10 years. 

It means the Army's decade long association with Bedford Blues and Northampton Saints, who alternated between the fixture, comes to an end. 

Mobbs captained both teams and England, before leading his men into battle in the First World War, killed defending them against enemy gunfire in the third battle of Ypres.

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Over the years, the game has featured the Barbarians and East Midlands select teams, but after 10 years of Army participation, the Blues and Saints will play each other in future. 

The Army twice led the game - first after just eight minutes, after excellent build up play saw Ifereimi Boladau go over for the try.  

On the half hour, a second try - Connor O'Reilley danced his way to the line.   

However, the young Blues side hit back almost instantly each time and the pace of their game proved too much for the Army. 

By half time they led 19-10 with three tries, and in the second half they added three more to come out 38-10 winners. 

The Army hope to maintain their links with Bedford, but match or no match, the connection with Mobbs will never be lost.