TEAM NEWS | Seven changes for Hartpury

Posted: 28th January 2022
 

Mike Rayer has named his squad as Bedford Blues go in search of a first victory of 2022 when they entertain Hartpury University at Goldington Road tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm).

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Blues return home looking for a response following two frustrating outings to start the New Year and face John Barnes’ side for just the tenth time following a first meeting in November 2017.

Rayer’s side have a formidable record in this fixture, including a 42-19 away success earlier this season at The Alpas Arena, but know the challenge that will await them tomorrow with Hartpury currently higher in the table.

A victory would put Bedford back into fifth position in the Championship table and Rayer makes a total of seven changes from last weekend in search of success.

There are four changes to the forwards pack including a first start of the campaign for Robin Williams, while Karl Garside, Tui Uru and Joe Atkinson are also handed starting jerseys.

In the backs division, Dean Adamson returns from HIA protocols and takes his familiar left-wing position as Pat Tapley swaps back to the right. Louis Grimoldby partners Alex Day in the half-back spots for back-to-back starts at Goldington Road. 

Following recent exploits with Northampton Saints and England U20s, Tom Litchfield is the final alteration as he returns to his hometown club.

Among the replacements, Jacob Fields has returned from his short-term injury layoff. Unfortunately, the Championship’s second leading points scorer, Will Maisey, joins Jordan Onojaife (Calf) and Will Biggs (Hamstring) on the treatment table with a minor knock.

Bedford Blues Starting XV:

15. Rich Lane, 14. Pat Tapley, 13. Jamie Elliott, 12. Tom Litchfield, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Louis Grimoldby, 9. Alex Day; 1. Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi, 2. Jack Hughes, 3. Karl Garside, 4. Robin Williams, 5. Luke Frost, 6. Tui Uru, 7. Joe Atkinson, 8. Oli Stedman

Bedford Blues Replacements:

16. Jacob Fields, 17. Joey Conway, 18. Corrie Barrett, 19. Tom Lockett, 20. Bailey Ransom, 21. Connor Tupai, 22. Ethan Grayson, 23. Matt Worley