TEAM NEWS | Four changes for Derby Day

Posted: 24th November 2023
 

Mike Rayer has named his squad for the first home Derby Day of the season as Bedford Blues host Cambridge at Goldington Road tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm).

Tickets still available for the BIG game with a £4 online discount; click here to secure yours today.

Just a second ever competitive meeting between the two clubs after an initial fixture 44 years ago, there have been a few friendlies in more recent times so certainly bragging rights on the line.

It means Cambridge become the 52nd side Rayer has faced in competitive action since taking the helm at Goldington Road in 2005.

Ahead of the game, Director of Rugby, Rayer has made four changes to the Starting XV in comparison to the side that took to the field against Hartpury University two weeks ago.

There are two changes in the backs division and two in the forwards pack with some positional alterations made to suit those inclusions.

Familiar face Jake Garside returns from Northampton Saints for his first Bedford appearance of the season, starting on the left wing in place of Dean Adamson who switches to full-back with Matt Worley given some rest and recovery following international duty in recent times.

Elsewhere, Jamie Elliott comes into the Starting XV after returning from a six-month injury layoff last time out with a 25-minute cameo appearance.

Up front Bryan O’Connor is installed at tighthead prop for his first start of the league season as Rayer continues to rotate his options at prop and afford equal match minutes across the board.

Jac Arthur comes in at openside flanker to complete the changes, with Joe Howard shifting into blindside to accommodate that change. Among the replacements, young Saints back row forward, Henry Pollock is in line for a club debut.

Ethan Grayson and Jacob Fields continue their recoveries from ankle and shoulder injuries respectively.

Bedford Blues Starting XV:

15. Dean Adamson, 14. Sean French, 13. Jamie Elliott, 12. Michael Le Bourgeois, 11. Jake Garside, 10. Louis Grimoldby, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Jamie Jack, 2. James Fish, 3. Bryan O’Connor, 4. Jordan Onojaife, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Joe Howard, 7. Jac Arthur, 8. Cameron King

Bedford Blues Replacements:

16. Craig Wright, 17. Joey Conway, 18. Oisin Heffernan, 19. Robin Williams, 20. Henry Pollock, 21. Archie McParland, 22. Will Maisey, 23. Jordan Venter