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TEAM NEWS | 2024 begins on home soil
Mike Rayer has named his squad as Bedford Blues look to retain recent momentum when they contest their first fixture of 2024 on home soil against Coventry this Monday (KO 3pm).
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Bedford have only faced Northampton Saints on more occasions than Coventry throughout history, with this the 187th competitive meeting between the two sides.
They contested four crackers in league and cup throughout the 22/23 campaign, averaging just over 50 points per game in that time, and backed by a strong attendance all eyes will be set on another entertaining tussle.
For the New Year’s Day game, Rayer elects to make six changes from the side which secured victory on Derby Day at Ampthill just before Christmas.
Remaining consistent with the rotation of the prop jerseys sees Joey Conway and Oisin Heffernan this time chosen in the Starting XV, two of four changes in the forwards pack.
After recent exploits for Northampton Saints, Tom Lockett is back at Goldington Road to partner Alex Woolford in the second row. Further back, Joe Howard switches to openside with Cameron King in the Number 8 jersey.
The final two alterations come in the backs division as Will Maisey starts against his former employers and Jordan Venter is back in from the start at outside centre following an injury layoff.
Among the replacements, Jac Arthur is back in the matchday squad after a period on the sidelines.
Jacob Fields and Ethan Grayson remain on the treatment table longer term, while Jamie Elliott sits out after an injury sustained at Ampthill.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Matt Worley, 14. Sean French, 13. Jordan Venter, 12. Michael Le Bourgeois, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Joey Conway, 2. James Fish, 3. Oisin Heffernan, 4. Tom Lockett, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Luke Frost, 7. Joe Howard, 8. Cameron King
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Craig Wright, 17. Jamie Jack, 18. Bryan O’Connor, 19. Robin Williams, 20. Kayde Sylvester, 21. Jac Arthur, 22. James Lennon, 23. Louis Grimoldby
