TEAM NEWS | Squad named for Ampthill

Posted: 29th September 2023
 

Mike Rayer has named his squad as Bedford Blues prepare to make the short trip down the B530 tomorrow to take on neighbours Ampthill in the penultimate Premiership Rugby Cup fixture (KO 3pm).

Still time to get a ticket and join us on the road; click here to purchase now.

Blues returned to winning ways last weekend at Goldington Road, and will be looking to back up that home performance when they hit the road for the third and final time in cup competition, yet fully aware of the challenge that awaits them from Ampthill.

There’s not too much for either side to learn about the other with this the 15th meeting across a five-year period in competitive and friendly action, with both teams having their moments in this fixture over that time.

Continuing with the themes of rest and rotation, Rayer again elects to make eight changes for the third successive weekend with one eye on the league campaign beginning in three weeks and ensuring all members of the squad are fighting fit and ready to go.

In the backs division, Ewan Baker has been handed a competitive debut at full back, while Ethan Grayson and Louis Grimoldby are also brought into the Starting XV.

There is a full front row swap with Jacob Fields returning to captain the side. Luke Frost and Robin Williams complete the changes in the second and back rows respectively.

Among the replacements, Emeka Atuanya and Tom Litchfield are in line for their first minutes of the season in a Blues jersey.

Having been named in the squad to start the contest, Grimoldby makes his 50th club appearance.

Bedford Blues Starting XV:

15. Ewan Baker, 14. Seán French, 13. Ethan Grayson, 12. Michael Le Bourgeois, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Louis Grimoldby, 9. James Lennon; 1. Joey Conway, 2. Jacob Fields (C), 3. Bryan O’Connor, 4. Jordan Onojaife, 5. Robin Williams, 6. Luke Frost, 7. Jac Arthur, 8. Cam King

Bedford Blues Replacements:

16. James Fish, 17. Jamie Jack, 18. Bryan O’Connor, 19. Emeka Atuanya, 20. Kieran Curran, 21. Joe Howard, 22. Matt Worley, 23. Tom Litchfield