News
Match Focus: Richmond next up at Goldington Road
Bedford Blues return to Goldington Road in Championship action this Saturday 17th April against Richmond (KO 4:15pm; Live Stream begins at 4pm).
The only way to watch will be through the Live Stream. Please do not attempt to enter Goldington Road under any circumstances. Buy a ticket for the broadcast here.
Big Game Preview
Notwithstanding the comprehensive defeat to Saracens last weekend, there are plenty of positives to take forward from the visit to the European heavyweights as Mike Rayer’s troops now search for a return to winning ways at home this Saturday.
Blues’ have picked up six points from five outings so far this season and head into the game knowing a victory could see them back in the top six, but a loss could drop them to the foot of the table.
Richmond, meanwhile, also have ambitions of climbing the charts, but currently sit in 10th position, two places below Bedford, following four points from as many games. They may be the lowest scorers in the Championship so far this season, but they have always packed a punch, including a notable victory over Jersey Reds in Round 3.
Steve Hill’s side come into the game fresh off a two-week break from action so expect a fast start from the visitors as they go in search of a first victory at Goldington Road since 1999. Full team news is announced at midday this Friday.
We’ve Met Before
Bedford Blues and Richmond have faced each other on 71 previous occasions in competitive action. Bragging rights will definitely be at stake at Goldington Road this Saturday, as both sides currently have 35 wins apiece, with one draw (27th September 1947; 6-6).
A fixture dating back nearly 90 years, Richmond won the first encounter between the two sides with an 11-3 victory in the capital on Halloween 1931. Neither side has particularly ever held the historic ascendency over the other, with both clubs trading victories through the decades.
In recent times, the standout moments have been Richmond’s Premiership record winning margin in 1999 and Pat Tapley’s hat-trick back in October 2016 (34-14 home victory for Bedford).
Live Streaming Coverage
Coverage from Goldington Road begins at 4pm with the familiar four-camera set-up bringing you closer to the action and pre-game build-up to keep you entertained. Tune in early for interviews with the coaches and match analysis from the commentary team.
Sam Roberts continues to lead our commentary with co-comms and punditry coming from Northampton Saints’ Head of Academy, Mark Hopley. As well as previews, they will bring you half-time and full-time analysis, along with the Anglian Fasteners’ Man of the Match. Purchase your Live Stream here.
Digital Programmes & Supporter Press Conference
Any supporter who purchased a Live Streaming Season Ticket will again receive a complimentary online digital version of our matchday programme through the MatchDayInfo Gamehub.
This will be sent out to all applicable supporters via email by Friday evening, once the teams are in. With even more content including a feature interview with Elijah Niko, this season’s programme continues to give you more behind-the-scenes access to content than ever before.
Another exclusive reward for Season Ticket holders is an invite to Wednesday night’s Supporter Press Conference. Hosted by Media Manager, Ryan Robinson, this week joined by DoR, Mike Rayer to answer your questions. Please email ryan@bedfordrugby.co.uk with what you want answered.
Blues at Home (Eat, Tweet, Cheer, Repeat)
Enjoy the full experience by ordering with our match day food partner! This week’s partner is club sponsors, Woburn Country Foods, the perfect option for a weekend BBQ, pre-match meal or Sunday roast!
The offer is 15% off all purchases ordered through their official website using the discount code ‘MATCH15’. Orders must be made by Thursday morning for delivery ahead of the game; orders after this time will need to be collected from their outlet in Haynes. Click here to view their website.
Continue to join the conversation on match day across social media by sending us your photos and messages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtags #BluesatHome or #BluesFamily and don’t forget to tag us. You can vote in our Man of the Match Poll on Twitter which goes live after 70 minutes of the contest.
Click HERE to purchase a Live Stream ticket as Blues battle Richmond at Goldington Road.
