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MATCH FOCUS | Franklin’s Gardens awaits on Saturday
Bedford Blues will be looking for the best possible end to their pre-season schedule when they make the short trip across to Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens to face our Premiership Strategic Partners, Northampton Saints on Saturday (KO 14:00).
You can still buy tickets here from our hosts for our first trip to the Gardens since 2008.
Big Game Preview
Mike Rayer’s charges will be looking to continue building in the second fixture of pre-season following a solid opening performance against Rotherham Titans at Goldington Road. All four new Summer arrivals started from the off last time out and will be looking to continue building new partnerships and implement the ‘Blues way’ for the season ahead.
Northampton Saints will contest their first pre-season fixture as new Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson takes charge of the squad for the first time and similarly looks to prepare his squad for the Premiership season ahead. Following full international and age-grade tours in the past few months, some stars are likely to be rested, so expect a mix of experience, youth and new signings as the Green, Black and Gold meet the Blues.
We’ve Met Before
Unsurprisingly considering the distance between the clubs, Northampton are the side who Bedford have faced on the most occasions, having contested 211 competitive fixtures. Saints currently lead the head-to-head record with 130 wins to Bedford’s 66, while there have been 15 draws.
A fixture with 135 years of history, the two sides first met on 15th January 1887 when Blues were victorious at home. The two sides last met this time last year at Goldington Road; Dean Adamson scoring twice as Blues took the game to their Premiership opponents for an hour before succumbing to a 40-21 defeat.
Matchday Coverage
Franklin’s Gardens is calling but if you’re not heading with us to the capital, we’ve got you covered! Continue to show your support by joining in the conversation on matchday. Send us your photos and messages using #BluesFamily across all our social media platforms.
Head to Twitter for our live feed and much more, including post-game video features and the result of the Followers Man of the Match award. Pre-game checkout our Instagram channel for live content as the teams arrive.
Don’t forget, tickets remain available from our hosts simply by clicking here.
