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Maisey and Grimoldby sign on for another year
Bedford Blues are delighted to confirm continuity in their options at outside-half next season as Will Maisey and Louis Grimoldby have both committed their future to the club for the 2022/23 campaign.
The duo – who also occasionally partnered at 10/12 last season – contributed 209 points last term and offer fantastic distribution, kicking options and leadership skills at half-back.
Maisey, 29, sponsored by Optimis Consulting, was last night crowned Players’ Player of the Year to top off a fantastic campaign on a personal level which saw him finish as Blues’ top points scorer alongside an induction into the Championship Team of the Year.
He also ticked over the 1,000 career points total in our Boxing Day victory over Jersey Reds and heads into the 22/23 campaign with statistics of 199 points from 31 games at Bedford.
On signing his new contract, Maisey said: “I’m buzzing, last year was my first full season as a Blues player and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
“We played some unbelievable stuff at times, but there were times we let ourselves down. If we can create that consistency that we strive for, then we can push on even further next year.
“I’ve never been known as a crash-ball centre so playing outside Louis in that 10-12 partnership has been really fun. I love playing alongside him, even in training we’re constantly making each other better the whole time and to be fair to him, Louis is world class at what he does.”
Grimoldby, 28, sponsored by Epic intent, really grew into form as the season progressed in what was his debut campaign in Blue having made the short hop from Ampthill this time last year.
Influential in the standout away victory over champions, Ealing Trailfinders back in March, Grimoldby is another of the league’s most reliable goal kickers and contributed with 63 points last term.
Working at nearby Biddenham International School and Sports College, Grimoldby has managed to find the perfect rugby – work balance, as has Maisey who has started a transition with local digital marketing agency, Receptional.
Having put pen to paper, Grimoldby added: “It was a no-brainer for me, and I’m absolutely delighted to be staying at Bedford. This is a great place to be, and I can’t wait to get going again.
“I really enjoyed my first season at Goldington Road, and I think we’re developing as a squad which is exciting, hopefully we’ll push on even further next season. Looking back and although finishing fifth was a real positive, we do feel like we’re capable of more so that’s the challenge for us.
“Working with Will has been great, we’ve known each other and played against each other for years, but never played together until last season. Being able to learn new things and picking things up off the way Will plays has developed my game further.”
Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer commented: “To have two quality 10s at this level is pretty priceless and we’re extremely fortunate to have Louis and Will as part of the club.
“Louis took a little time to settle in, but post-Christmas I thought he was excellent for us and had a big impact both on and off the field.
“Will started the season like a house on fire and has been so consistent this year. An injury set him back a little, but he finished strong and no doubt, on his day he’s up there with the best 10s in the division.”
