Protchard represented Canada at this year's Churchill Cup

Bedford Blues have shown they are capable of successfully playing different styles of rugby, according to captain James Pritchard.

The Blues displayed a marked physical dimension to their game in Saturday's 29-24 win at Doncaster.

Pritchard, 31, told BBC Three Counties Radio: "When it gets wet and cold we're going to have to change our game.

"What better way to do it than to go to Doncaster, known as bullies, and give them a taste of their own medicine."

The Canadian international has taken on the responsibility of the Bedford captaincy this season and feels supporters will already have seen an improvement in his performances.

"I think it's brought my game on, I know there were times last year when I didn't really feel it and sat back," said the full-back.

"I was sometimes more of a passenger in the game but now I can't do that, I have to turn up and lead by example."

Mike Rayer's side have made an impressive start to the campaign, with their only slip-up coming at Rotherham a fortnight ago.

The victory over Doncaster puts them up to fourth in the Championship, but Australian-born Pritchard is not getting carried away.

"We've set ourselves the goal of the top eight first and foremost, and when we've secured that we can look at other goals," he added.

"We have to do it as a team, we can't just rely on 15 guys, everyone who pulls on that jersey has to put in a performance no matter who we play."

Bedford's next outing is against Moseley. The Birmingham side visit Goldington Road on Saturday.

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