1st XV News

Bedford put in a monumental shift against London Irish at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday afternoon but the former Premiership side had enough in the tank to deny the Blues a point of any sort.

Strong defence was the order of the day for both sides, but a couple of silly decisions resulted in tries for the Exiles and despite a red card and two yellows for the hosts, they held on for the win.

Bedford were forced into defence very early on when a penalty in the second minute sailed into touch. Irish collected the lineout, but Bedford got stuck in and Oli Curry came away with the ball and the Blues cleared down the left.

Bedford Blues are gearing themselves up for another huge challenge this weekend as they head to the Madejski Stadium to take on London Irish in Round Four of the Greene King IPA Championship.

Despite a narrow defeat to Coventry last Saturday, Mike Rayer's men showed plenty of grit and determination to take two bonus points having slipped to 29-7 deficit within the first 40 minutes and they'll be hoping to show just as much passion this Sunday against the former Premiership side.

Blues Community are pleased to relaunch the Match Day Guard of Honour package in partnership with Club Sponsors Autoglass.

The revamped initiative has definitely improved the match day experience for participants and spectators alike as we welcome the next generation to Goldington Road for a special experience.

The Club would like to thank SSG Services for their partnership since inception of the scheme, but with the growth of Blues Community the delivery will come back in house thanks to the sponsorship of Autoglass.

Following the success of our summer camp, Blues Community are pleased to announce the dates of the October Half Term Rugby Camp at Goldington Road for Tuesday 23rd, Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th October, click here to book your place.

Open to children of all ages and abilities, the ‘Learn to Play the Blues way’ camp will be led by the Blues Head of Community with current first team Blues players taking some of the sessions.

Kimberley Sixth Form College has launched a rugby development programme in partnership with Bedford Blues Rugby Club. This exciting new initiative, starting in September, will see coaching staff from Blues Community, alongside teaching staff at the College, deliver a bespoke training and coaching programme to students.

As part of this exciting initiative Kimberley College, located in Stewartby, will launch their first Sixth Form rugby team. The students will also act as young ambassadors, representing both Kimberley, which is part of Wootton Academy Trust, and Blues Community.

Bedford Blues were brought to ground with a bump on Saturday afternoon as they went down 34-27 to newly promoted Coventry in the Greene King IPA Championship.

A first half blitz from the hosts put them in an excellent position and despite a strong fightback from the Blues, they just couldn't make up the lost ground. 

Things didn't get off to the greatest start for the Blues when they couldn't take advantage of a lineout deep in the Coventry 22 following a good kick to touch from Rich Lane.

Bedford Blues having named their 22 man squad which will be heading to Coventry for the first time in nine years.

It will actually be ten seasons since the Blues last played at Butts Lane Arena as the 15-15 draw in December 2009 was played at the Ricoh Arena as Cov's future looked uncertain at the time. 

But the past is the past and the Blues will be heading into the fixture knowing that they face a tough challenge against a fired up Coventry side who will certainly want to bounce back from their defeat at Cornish Pirates last weekend.

Bedford Blues 26 Jersey Reds 22

Blues opened their home account of the 2018/19 Championship season with a bonus point win over Jersey Reds, but were made to work for it.

Bedford versus Jersey is always a close and well-fought competition and Saturday was no exception with the lead switching back and forth before a late penalty try secured the win for the Blues.

Heading down the slope, the Blues got things underway and set up camp in the Jersey half. Mark Flanagan was a monster in the lineout and his take set up a series of attacks but the visitors defended well and earned a penalty to clear their lines.

***Due to sickness, Ed Taylor has come onto the bench in place of Justin Blanchet for today's game with Jersey Reds. ***

As the first home Championship match of the season fast approaches this weekend, Bedford Blues are delighted to introduce their new collectable Eco Cup scheme at Goldington Road.

The new environmentally friendly pint cups, produced by Green Goblet, will be launched at this Saturday’s match against Jersey Reds at a cost of £1. The cups can be continually used, kept or recycled to the bar in exchange for your £1 refundable deposit.