TEAM NEWS | Changes aplenty as cup campaign resumes

Posted: 2nd February 2023
 

Mike Rayer has named his squad as Bedford Blues prepare to switch their attentions back to the Championship Cup for the next three weekends as the second phase of the group stage begins tomorrow night under the lights against London Scottish (KO 7:45pm).

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The two sides square off for the fourth and final time this season at Goldington Road and there’s not too much they can learn about the other ahead of kick-off – but will certainly be looking to provide more quality entertainment for the supporters, averaging over 58 points a game in those recent meetings.

Blues still have an outside chance of qualification for the semi-finals and will be looking to maintain their unbeaten home record this season as Friday Night Lights return to Bedford.

Ahead of the game, the 84th meeting between the two sides, Rayer has elected to shuffle his pack quite significantly to rotate the squad, allowing several players some additional minutes and affording those who have featured frequently so far this season to have a well-deserved break from competitive action.

There are 13 changes in total as only Seán French and Kieran Curran retain their places from the trip to Caldy last weekend.

The headline news within the changes sees highly experienced Northampton Saints kicker James Grayson head to Goldington Road this weekend as he looks for much needed game time having sustained an injury in October before then heading back to Franklin’s Gardens.

With Ethan also chosen in the Starting XV, the Grayson brothers begin a game for the just the third time in competitive men’s rugby – and first time at Goldington Road.

In the forwards pack, Rayer hands first starts to Monty Royston, Aston Gradwick-Light and Emeka Atuanya as part of his rotation up-front.

Among the replacements, Joseph Gaffan is in line for a Blues debut.

Bedford Blues Starting XV:

15. James Grayson, 14. Seán French, 13. Tom Litchfield, 12. Ethan Grayson, 11. Pat Tapley, 10. Louis Grimoldby, 9. Jake Garside; 1. Monty Royston, 2. Aston Gradwick-Light, 3. Ed Prowse, 4. Emeka Atuanya, 5. Tom Lockett, 6. Kayde Sylvester, 7. Charles Rylands, 8. Kieran Curran

Bedford Blues Replacements:

16. Jack Hughes, 17. Lewis Holsey, 18. Ehren Painter, 19. Luke Frost, 20. Joseph Gaffan, 21. Alex Day, 22. Joel Matavesi, 23. Matt Worley