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MATCH FOCUS | Richmond head to town as third faces fourth
Championship rugby returns to Goldington Road on Saturday as two of the early top four collide when Richmond arrive to meet the mighty Bedford Blues (KO 3pm).
Save £4 and buy tickets online here for the big game.
Big Game Preview
Mike Rayer’s side head into the game looking to maintain their early season form, which has seen them win back-to-games against Doncaster Knights (31-23) and away at Ampthill (51-34).
Blues reside in fourth place, with 10 points from the opening three games. But with just two points separating the leaders and 10th place, it’s all to play for in terms of league standings.
Third placed Richmond have amassed 11 points from four games. Both of their wins this season have come at home, while they’ve struggled on the road as they search for their first away win in the Championship since April 2019.
Familiar faces to the #BluesFamily; Huw Worthington, Will Carrick Smith and James Lennon, have starred in Richmond’s early season form and are expected to feature on Saturday.
We’ve Met Before
Bedford Blues and Richmond have faced each other on 72 previous occasions in competitive action. Victory for Mike Rayer’s side in the last meeting back in April sees them holding the bragging rights heading into Saturday, with 36 wins to Richmond’s 35, with one draw.
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 triumphant hat-trick back in October 2016.
Food, Drink and Entertainment
Gates open from midday on Saturday, make sure to head into the ground early and sample everything we have to offer! Our choice this week would be to grab a programme early and head to the Eagle Bar to try this week’s guest ale, Hobgoblin Ruby.
Elsewhere get your usual favourites in The Scrum Bar, Former Players Bar and new Eagle Stand Hut around the ground. Visit the Mini Fan Village on the North Terrace to try our Festival Bar and Coffee and Cake Horsebox.
The Blues Marquee is the place to be post-match for the usual entertainment, with live music from newcomer, Marc James and Man of the Match Award with Sam Roberts.
We’re pleased to announce that the Scrum Bar Serving Hatch, operated by Taylor’s Kitchen, will have its grand opening on Saturday. Elsewhere The Bedford Barn on the halfway line, Peckish Festival Food hatch at The Burrow and The Burger Hut, just inside the main entrance, are all open.
PLEASE NOTE: The Scrum Bar will close shortly before the final whistle due to this becoming a Red Zone area for the players.
Hospitality
We look forward to welcoming Hospitality guests in The Blues Marquee for our Former Players Luncheon, The Dovecote Park Suite, SDC Suite and The Burrow at the Blues.
LAST CHANCE: Book places in The Burrow at the Blues for just £25 per person for all ticket holders or £40 including entry. Enjoy a one-course dining experience, a stunning view of the game and pre-game entertainment; book tickets here or contact Matthew Cannon below.
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.
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.
Match Day Ticketing
Buy tickets online and save a massive £4 on all adult prices, click here to buy. All fixtures, up to and including Boxing Day, are on sale with an announcement on all 2022 fixtures expected soon.
Season Tickets remain available for collection at Goldington Road during normal opening office hours until Friday. If you still have not collected your Season Ticket, they will be available from the Ticket Office on match day.
