A week off from Championship duties came at the right time for Bedford Blues, as they look to bounce back from a resounding defeat at Doncaster by welcoming Hartpury University to Goldington Road this Saturday.
The 50-19 defeat at Castle Park, that included four yellow cards for Bedford Blues, was a bump in a promising road for Mike Rayer’s men who had enjoyed three victories from four games before the trip to South Yorkshire.
Read: Knights keep Bedford at bay as Blues run ends in Doncaster
Both sides gained a victory apiece away from home last season, but with the eleventh meeting between the two teams just around the corner, both squads will have a different look to them this time around.
Rayer shuffles the pack
Injuries and unavailability continue to pose some problems for Rayer, with Michael Le Bourgeois relocating to full back to deputise for the injured Matt Worley, while Joel Matavesi returns to the number twelve jersey.
In the pack, there are four further changes; Luke Frost returning from concussion while prop Ehren Painter is one of six Northampton Saints academy players stepping in.
Kayde Sylvester also makes a return to openside flanker after an impressive debut in the Blues’ opening home league fixture against London Scottish.
Women look for back-to-back victories
Bedford Blues Women are also in action this weekend as they travel to Royston on Sunday, as they look for successive victories in NC2 Midlands (Central) Division.
Last weekend, they notched up a superb 57-0 victory against Biggleswade to ignite their season with Tabitha Everett particularly impressive in scoring four tries in the first half.
There were further scores for captain Emily Wallbank, Alivia Usher-Harris, Martina Sharp and Lucy Middleton, who also nailed five conversions in a comprehensive success.
Bedford Blues sit in sixth place, one spot behind Sunday’s opponents courtesy of points difference but a win at the Heath Sports Centre may well set the Blues on to bigger and better things.
Kick off at Goldington Road for the men’s fixture is at 3pm, while the Women kick off in Hertfordshire at 2.30pm on Sunday.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Michael Le Bourgeois, 14. Seán French, 13. Ethan Grayson, 12. Joel Matavesi, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Joey Conway, 2. James Fish, 3. Ehren Painter, 4. Robin Williams, 5. Jordan Onojaife, 6. Luke Frost, 7. Kayde Sylvester, 8. Jac Arthur
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Jack Hughes, 17. Lewis Holsey, 18. Corrie Barrett, 19. Tom Lockett, 20. Tui Uru, 21. Louis Grimoldby, 22. Jamie Elliott, 23. Pat Tapley
