Bedford Blues suffered a dismal defeat in the Battle of Bedfordshire derby against Ampthill last weekend, with Mike Rayer making five changes to the starting XV as the Blues travel to Richmond tomorrow.
Read: Ampthill steal the plaudits in Battle of Bedfordshire clash
Northampton Saints’ winger, George Hendy is the standout change as he makes his Blues debut on the right wing, as Pat Tapley transfers to the left in place of injured Dean Adamson.
Ethan Grayson also makes a return at inside centre and Alex Day rotates into scrum half in place of Connor Tupai to finish the changes in the back line for Bedford.
Karl Garside returns in the front row following a late recall to Northampton Saints last weekend with Bailey Ransom completing the changes to a starting line up hoping to match last season’s 28-23 victory on the same weekend last season.
Hartpury and London Scottish kick off the weekend’s action under Friday night lights this evening, while Ampthill will look to build on their victory against Bedford as they host Jersey Reds.
Cornish Pirates will be expected to keep up the pace on league leaders Ealing as they host Nottingham while the Trailfinders host Coventry to round up the weekend’s fixtures.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Rich Lane (C), 14. George Hendy, 13, Jamie Elliott, 12. Ethan Grayson, 11. Pat Tapley, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day; 1. Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi, 2. Jack Hughes, 3. Karl Garside, 4. Jordan Onojaife, 5. Luke Frost, 6. Bailey Ransom, 7. Ollie Newman, 8. Oli Stedman
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Josh Pieterse, 17. Joey Conway, 18. Corrie Barrett, 19. Robin Williams, 20. Tui Uru, 21. Joe Atkinson, 22. Matt Worley, 23. Louis Grimoldby
