News
Match Focus: Local bragging rights back up for grabs
Bedford Blues contest the second Battle of Bedfordshire of pre-season as Championship neighbours Ampthill head to Goldington Road for the return leg of our double header this Saturday (KO 3pm).
Save £4 and buy tickets online here for the big game. This match is again included in the Season Ticket package.
Big Game Preview
Mike Rayer’s side showed huge improvements last weekend against Northampton Saints as a new squad of players continue to build on-field partnerships, but matching performance with result will be the crucial aim this Saturday.
A total of 13 new faces have made their inaugural Blues appearances over the past two weeks, with some still yet to take to the field. Expect some experimentation again as Rayer examines the best combinations.
Ampthill head into the game following a weekend off since our trip to Dillingham Park, but with their league campaign kicking off just six days later, they’ll be looking to build further.
Last Time Out
Just two weeks ago, both sides played out an entertaining 12-try thriller, which Ampthill ultimately edged 40-38 thanks to a last gasp try.
Oli Stedman, Josh Pieterse and Alex Woolford all crossed the try line during their first appearance for the club, while Dean Adamson marked his return with a trademark swan dive finish. Matt Worley and Rich Lane also dotted down while Will Maisey and Louis Grimoldby added points off the tee – but it wasn’t enough to secure the victory in the first Battle of Bedfordshire of the season.
Food, Drink and Entertainment
Head to Goldington Road early to sample everything the home of Bedford’s Premier Sporting Club has to offer!
PLEASE NOTE: Due to Red Zone regulations, the Eagle Bar will be closed all day on Saturday to allow the players of both sides to have a secure and safe space after the match.
The Blues Marquee, Scrum Bar and Former Players Bar will again be open before and after the match for a cold pre or post-match pint, while we have also installed an additional trailer bar on the North Terrace to offer all the regular favourites, alongside the Coffee and Cake Horsebox.
There will again be three hot food kiosks available; The Bedford Barn, Peckish Festival Food and The Burger Hut. The Scrum Bar serving hatch remains closed this week.
Post-match, head to the Blues Marquee for entertainment with Sam Roberts and live music from the returning, Mark Calder. The Roberts’ duo will be back on the announcer’s mic this weekend so please send any special messages to ryan@bedfordrugby.co.uk by 12pm Friday.
Hospitality
Last chance to upgrade your ticket or purchase Hospitality in our Dovecote Park Suite or The Burrow at the Blues for this Saturday’s game! Deadline is Thursday 12pm, click the button below to reserve a place.
Matchday Programme
Saturday’s matchday programme again remains available in print and digital version. Purchase upon your arrival or keep an eye out on our social media channels for when the digital version is released.
Including a feature interview with Will Maisey, plus content from another three players, this season’s programme contains more content than ever before and still remains at the traditional price of £2.50.
Safety Briefing
All venues around Goldington Road will remain CASHLESS as part of our COVID risk management plan. Further safety precautions including a plentiful supply of hand sanitisers from stewards will be available on match day.
All three gates will be open throughout the season for access into Goldington Road; namely the main entrance, the hospital gate and the Bushmead Gate. Please have your ticket ready to be scanned on arrival.
The Blues Club Shop will again open its doors from one hour before kick-off, at half-time and full-time. Please could only one person or household bubble enter at any one time.
Tickets
Buy tickets online and save a massive £4 on all adult prices, click here to buy.
This fixture is again INCLUDED within all 2021/22 Season Tickets. All Season Ticket holders will receive an email before Saturday with information on how to gain entry.
