News
Five fixtures to look out for in 2022/23
Whether you’re looking forward to the first home game of the new campaign and the roar of the Goldington Road faithful; whether you’re focused on the traditional Boxing Day fixture; or whether you can’t wait for the annual pilgrimage to Jersey – there’s something for everyone in 2022/23.
We’ve picked out five fixtures of note which could hold significance to Blues supporters…
Coventry (A) W/E of Saturday 10th September 2022
Nothing beats the start of a new season. The smell of onions back on the grill, pints being poured at the bar and the first glimpse of a matchday programme as Blues return to action in 22/23.
Bedford begin their league exploits on the road for the sixth successive campaign as they head to face old rivals, Coventry on opening weekend – in a repeat of the same fixture back in the truncated 2021 season.
Butts Park Arena hasn’t been the happiest of hunting grounds for Bedford in recent years with Mike Rayer’s side going in search of a first victory in the West Midlands since October 2008. Blues will be hoping it’s third time’s a charm after two narrow one-point losses in recent visits.
Ampthill (H) Boxing Day 2022
The standout date in the rugby calendar and Blues are again fortunate to be at home on Boxing Day, the eighth time a fixture has been played at Goldington Road since 2010.
And this year sees another Battle of Bedfordshire become the marquee Festive fixture with neighbours Ampthill making the short hop across the B530 for the third time on Boxing Day following victories in 2018 (friendly) and 2019 (Championship).
Blues have an otherwise strong record when it comes to Boxing Day fixtures of the past and will look to continue that imperious form at Goldington Road.
Caldy (A) W/E of Saturday 28th January 2023
A new ground to tick off the list for virtually everyone associated with Bedford Blues as Rayer’s side head to Paton Field for the very first time in one of the final away trips of the 2022/23 campaign.
The two sides will have already met for an inaugural fixture as they square off at Goldington Road first in early October, but a weekend trip to The Wirral will soon be on the agenda ready for another entertaining Championship fixture at a new location.
Doncaster Knights (H) W/E of Saturday 18th February 2023
With the Championship Cup returning to its more familiar layout in 2022/23, it’s going to be all the harder for Bedford to secure their first trophy since lifting the Powergen Shield in 2005 following a draw that pits them against Coventry, Doncaster Knights and London Scottish in the pool stage.
When Steve Boden’s Doncaster head to Bedford midway through the season for the final pool fixture, Blues will hopefully still have a chance at progressing to the post-season semi-finals just like they achieved in 2018.
Coventry (H) W/E of Saturday 29th April 2023
It’ll soon be time for an end of season party! The 183rd meeting between Bedford and Coventry will bring the curtain down on the 2022/23 Championship campaign – although both sides will be hoping to still be involved in the post-season Cup Semi-Finals and Final.
It will be the second season in succession that Blues conclude their regular league campaign at home to Alex Rae’s side and they will be looking to avenge the 17-15 away victory secured by Coventry back in March.
What memories will Bedford Blues create next season to be talked about in 12 months’ time? The journey continues in the 2022/23 Championship campaign.
Find out how you can be part of the #BluesFamily with a 2022/23 Season Ticket
