With Bedford Blues sitting fourth in the Greene King IPA Championship, the Goldington Road faithful are rightly in high spirits, but this weekend sees the challenge go up a notch.
Ealing Trailfinders sit atop the league table after a 101-7 thrashing of London Scottish last weekend, plus scoring 73 points at Coventry the weekend before and are a mightily talented and confident side.
The visitors this weekend to Goldington Road missed out on promotion last season, falling to Saracens in the play-offs and have held the upper hand over Bedford in recent seasons.
Mike Rayer’s side returned to the top four with a stunning second half display at Richmond last weekend; winning 42-19 but will need every pound of muscle to challenge who many see as the Champions elect.
Ealing have won 10 of the last 11 meetings between the sides since 2016 and this clash promises to be an entertaining one as the teams have already scored 72 tries between them after five rounds.
The Blues’ injury list has eased in recent weeks, with Mike Rayer able to keep the majority of his starting XV from last weekend’s victory, making three changes to his pack.
Bailey Ransom replaces Karl Wilkins at blindside flanker with the other two changes coming in the props, with Corrie Barrett and Joey Conway starting.
In a stellar move from the club, Bedford Blues are allowing free entry to members of the Armed Forces and Emergency Services as we approach Remembrance Day.
All eyes will also be on Will Maisey, who has been in fine form recently and gained the Man-of-the-Match award last weekend.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Rich Lane (C), 14. Pat Tapley, 13. Jamie Elliott, 12. Ethan Grayson, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day; 1. Joey Conway, 2. Reece Marshall, 3. Corrie Barrett, 4. Luke Frost, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Bailey Ransom, 7. Joe Atkinson, 8. Tui Uru
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Jack Hughes, 17. Josh Pieterse, 18. Osman Dimen, 19. Jordan Onojaife, 20. Oli Stedman, 21. Jake Garside, 22. Louis Grimoldby, 23. Matt Worley
