TEAM NEWS | Two changes for Pirates test

Posted: 19th January 2023
 

Mike Rayer has named his squad as Bedford look to maintain Championship momentum when they host Cornish Pirates tomorrow in their first home game of the new calendar year (KO 3pm).

Discounted tickets still available as we look for a huge crowd at Goldington Road. Click here to purchase yours and join us at Goldington Road.  

Director of Rugby, Rayer has faced Pirates more than any other club since taking the helm at Goldington Road, contesting 45 matches meaning both sides will know plenty about the other ahead of Saturday’s fixture.

The two clubs have also contested five extremely close encounters in league and cup over the past 18 months – at an average of 59.4 points per fixture – so it’s set to be another cracker at the home of Bedford’s premier sporting club.

As Blues look to maintain their strong home record, Rayer makes two changes to the side which began 2023 with a bonus point victory down at London Scottish last weekend.

Fresh from scoring his first try for his boyhood club, Tom Litchfield is named at outside centre in the only change to the backs division.

With Ehren Painter returning to Northampton Saints, that sees Corrie Barrett handed the starting tighthead jersey in an otherwise consistent forwards pack.

Among the replacements, there is a welcome return for Ed Prowse from Saints duty.  

The unavailable list remains as Osman Dimen, Jacob Fields, Alex Woolford and Jordan Onojaife.

Bedford Blues Starting XV:

15. George Hendy, 14. Matt Worley, 13. Tom Litchfield, 12. Michael Le Bourgeois, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Joey Conway, 2. Jack Hughes, 3. Corrie Barrett, 4. Robin Williams, 5. Tom Lockett, 6. Luke Frost, 7. Jac Arthur, 8. Tui Uru

Bedford Blues Replacements:

16. Aston Gradwick-Light , 17. Monty Royston, 18. Ed Prowse, 19. Charles Rylands, 20. Kieran Curran, 21. Jake Garside, 22. Louis Grimoldby, 23. Seán French