Match Focus: Bedford set for battle with the Knights

Posted: 28th April 2021
 

Bedford Blues return to action this Sunday for their penultimate away game of the 2021 campaign against Doncaster Knights at Castle Park (KO 1pm; Live Stream begins 12:40pm).

Big Game Preview

Mike Rayer will be looking for back-to-back victories for the first time this season after the most complete performance of the campaign so far against Richmond last time out. 

After a bye week last weekend, Rayer will be hoping the extra break before the trip to South Yorkshire means he will be able to welcome back some key players from injury. Find out who has made it back in time for the game when full team news is released at midday on Friday.

Results following Round Seven of Championship action see Bedford in seventh following 11 points from six outings, but with views firmly fixed on ascending the league table. Near neighbours Ampthill are only four points ahead with a potential positional showdown set for the final day of the season in the Battle of Bedfordshire (now confirmed to kick off at 2pm).

Doncaster, like Bedford, come into the game on the back of victory over Richmond following a comprehensive 40-12 victory at the Athletic Ground. But defeat to Saracens in their last home match leaves them with no room for error as they battle to upset the odds and secure a place in the post-season play-offs. Steve Boden’s side currently remain second in the table, one point clear of Sarries who have played a game less.

We’ve Met Before

A relatively new fixture, yet not without its drama already; Bedford and Doncaster have met on 32 previous occasions in competitive action. The Knights currently hold the superior head-to-head record with 16 victories to the Blues’ 14, while there have also been two draws.

Bedford won the first meeting between the sides in September 2005 – Mike Rayer’s first home match as DoR of the Club – as Donny arrived in National One following a surge up the rugby pyramid. The Blues also won the most recent encounter with a 29-5 success at Goldington Road on 29th February 2020.

One of the toughest places to go in the Championship, Bedford will be in search of a first victory at Castle Park since November 2012, when Brendan Burke converted a late Josh Bassett try to secure a 22-21 victory.

Blues at Home

All Championship Clubs have joined BT Sport's #Drawtheline campaign this weekend, meaning there will be no communication from our social media channels from 15:00 on Friday 30th April until 23:59 on Monday 3 May. 

All other modes of communication remain in operation meaning an on-the-whistle match report will appear here on the club wesbite following the final whistle. 

You can still continue to show your support by joining in the conversation on matchday! Send us your photos and messages using #BluesatHome across all our social media channels and we'll still be able to see them.

The Followers Man of the Match award will also take place as normal this Sunday. Head to the Club's Vimeo channel immediately after the game to find out who has been chosen.

Click HERE to purchase a Live Stream Ticket as Blues take on Doncaster Knights.