News
Team News ahead of Historic Weekend
Ahead of a historic weekend in the 135-year history of Bedford’s premier sporting club, Blues name two matchday squads as both senior sides prepare to play on the same weekend for the first time.
Buy tickets from our hosts as Blues head to Ampthill on Saturday (KO 3pm).
Following an impressive victory against Doncaster Knights last weekend, Mike Rayer has made four changes to his starting line-up for the Battle of Bedfordshire as Blues look for their first competitive victory at Dillingham Park.
Connor Tupai starts his first Championship fixture of the season in the only alteration to the back division, while there are a further three changes to the forward pack.
Blues welcome back hooker Reece Marshall on a short-term loan from Northampton Saints, while Tui Uru – who has scored in both outings so far this season – and Ed Prowse earn their first starts this term.
Among the replacements, we welcome back row forward Karl Wilkins to the #BluesFamily on short-term loan from Saints as Rayer elects for a six-two split. Replacement tighthead Osman Dimen is set for his competitive debut.
Jacob Fields, Will Biggs, Oisin Heffernan, Jordan Onojaife and Dean Adamson are the injury absentees.
Bedford Blues Starting XV vs Ampthill:
15. Rich Lane (C), 14. Matt Worley, 13. Jamie Elliott, 12. Tom Litchfield, 11. Pat Tapley, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Connor Tupai; 1. Emmanuel Iyogun, 2. Reece Marshall, 3. Ed Prowse, 4. Brandon Nansen, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Bailey Ransom, 7. Joe Atkinson, 8. Tui Uru
Bedford Blues Replacements vs Ampthill:
16. Jack Hughes, 17. Joey Conway, 18. Osman Dimen, 19. Oli Stedman, 20. Luke Frost, 21. Karl Wilkins, 22. Alex Day, 23. Louis Grimoldby
Then on Sunday, Bedford Blues Women contest their first ever league fixture as they kick off their NC3 Midlands (Central) Division campaign by welcoming Shelford Ladies Nomads to Goldington Road (KO 2pm).
FREE entry for all supporters with gates open from 12pm. Only The Scrum Bar and The Burrow at the Blues will be open throughout the day.
Bedford Blues Women’s Head Coach, Mark Stapley has named a 22-woman squad containing a mixture of experienced players and those new to the game, including captain Mel Joneswho skippers the side on their historic afternoon from Secoond Row.
Bedford Blues Women Starting XV vs Shelford Ladies:
15. Emma Graham, 14. Emily Wallbank, 13. Tabitha Everett, 12. Emma Hunter, 11. Martina Sharp, 10. Lucy Middleton, 9. Abi Wilkins (VC); 1. Jo Robey, 2. Alivia Harris, 3. Lauren Mason, 4. Mel Jones (C), 5. Emily Finney, 6. Catherine Chambers, 7. Heidi Lawson, 8. Yaz Morrison
Bedford Blues Women Replacements vs Shelford Ladies:
16. Tina Parker, 17. Kelly Deane, 18. Emily McBarron, 19. Maya Abraham-Steele, 20, Jo Lamas, 21. Summer Clarke, 22. Ellen Walsh
