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TEAM NEWS | Squad named for Army fixture
Mike Rayer has named his squad as Bedford Blues turn their attentions away from Championship action this week as they host familiar friends, The British Army at Goldington Road tomorrow to kickstart Easter Bank Holiday Weekend (KO 7:45pm).
This fixture is included in the 23/24 Season Ticket package. All other tickets available at discounted prices online starting at just £12 Adults; U18s £3. Get yours today by clicking here.
The two sides have a well-established link owing to their involvement in the previous format of the prestigious Mobbs Memorial Match, contesting numerous previous fixtures over the years celebrating the life of the great former Bedford, Northampton and England legend, Lt Col Edgar Mobbs.
While this fixture takes a slightly different guise from this year, it allows the Army chance to prepare for their showpiece Babcock Trophy encounter with the Navy at Twickenham, as well as affording more match minutes to Bedford ahead of their final six league games of the campaign.
Blues have a proud record in this fixture which they will be looking to defend under the Thursday Night Lights and Rayer has named a 26-man squad composed of Blues first-team, Northampton Saints academy and a select number of trialists.
One of the standout highlights within the announcement sees Joe Howard make a welcome return following a month layoff with a hamstring problem, composing a full Blues back row alongside Jac Arthur and Kieran Curran.
There is a great local story in the front row as Olney RFC’s Tommy Herman is chosen to begin the contest at Goldington Road and will pack down alongside Oisin Heffernan and Jamie Jack.
Former Junior Blue, Ryan Apps returns after a couple of appearances last season, while Loughborough University trio Jack Howells, Isaac Bell and Jake Metcalfe are also drafted in to feature.
Continuing his Testimonial Year celebrations, Pat Tapley will lead out the side as captain.
The British Army are expected to name a 25-man squad at 6pm this evening.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Ewan Baker, 14. Pat Tapley (C), 13. Matt Worley, 12. Jack Howells, 11. Toby Cousins, 10. Matty Arden, 9. James Lennon; 1. Jamie Jack, 2. Tommy Herman, 3. Oisin Heffernan, 4. Robin Williams, 5. Jordan Onojaife, 6. Jac Arthur, 7. Kieran Curran, 8. Joe Howard
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Isaac Bell, 17. Joey Conway, 18. Bryan O’Connor, 19. Emeka Atuanya, 20. Geordie Irvine, 21. Alex Day, 22. Will Maisey, 23. Jake Metcalfe, 24. Ryan Apps, 25. Cameron King, 26. Alex Woolford
