There’s a sporting first taking place in Bedford this weekend as Goldington Road – home of Bedford Blues – welcomes a Men’s rugby league match to its turf for the first time with Bedford Tigers aiming for two from two as their league season gets going.
In partnership with rugby union Championship team Bedford Blues, the Tigers will be kicking off their first home game of the season, hosting Eastern Rhinos on Saturday 26 April in the Southern Conference League, a competition that sits just below the professional leagues.
You can buy your tickets for the 3pm kick off here.
The Tigers kickstarted their league season with a tight 28-24 victory at East Herts Crusaders last weekend (19 April), and are aiming for two wins from two league games in front of the Goldington Road crowd on Saturday.
Bedford Tigers’ Women’s side have played at Goldington Road before, in 2022, but this will be the first time the Men have played on the famous slope.
Two tries for Jake Tilford were key on Saturday while there were also scores for George Murray, Elliott Holton and Alfie Hawkhead as the Tigers survived a late Crusaders comeback to hold on for victory.
The reserves were also in action against North Herts Knights and won an entertaining fixture 58-34, with a hat-trick for Matthieu Degui and a brace of tries for Max Hubbard. They too are back in action against Eastern Rhinos ‘A’, also on Saturday.
The Tigers have embarked on a wide-ranging recruitment campaign throughout the off season, seeing them bring in a host of new players.
Amongst the new signings on show will be Welsh Students international, Garin Nicholls, Castleford Tigers reserves player, Alfie Hawkhead and former Sheffield Eagle, Essad Al-Zubeidi.
Also returning for another season is Josh Hudson-Lett, who made his international debut for Jamaica against Wales back in October, scoring a try in the process, and will be another key name as the Tigers look to improve on an 7th place finish in the Southern Conference League in 2024.
The Tigers’ Director of Rugby, Rob Ashton said, “It’s a great opportunity for us to run a test event and see what we can achieve working with the Blues.
“It’s a chance for us to raise our profile locally and show the RFL what can be achieved here in Bedford for the sport on a professional level.”
Chief Operating Operator for the Blues, Gareth Alred added, “We are delighted to support Rob and the Tigers.
“With no fixtures for either of our senior sides that weekend, it made sense for both clubs to work together and hopefully gives our supporters chance to enjoy more rugby at Goldington Road.”
Bedford Blues have a well-earned rest week after a sensational 30-24 victory against Championship leaders, Ealing last time out. They return to Goldington Road on Saturday 3 May, welcoming London Scottish.
Read: Bedford Blues hold off late Ealing surge to seal famous win
Tickets for the rugby league clash are £5 for adults and £1 for children, available online from the the Bedford Blues website. The game kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 26 April.
