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TEAM NEWS | Squad named for Ampthill derby clash
Mike Rayer has named his squad as Bedford Blues look to kickstart 2025 on the strongest possible footing when entertaining neighbours Ampthill for the second time this season at Goldington Road.
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There’s not too much for either side to learn about the other with this the 18th meeting across a five-year period in competitive and friendly action, with both teams having their moments in this fixture over that time – Blues with a narrow series lead but wary of the threat Ampthill will pose on their travels.
The two sides average around 50 points from those prior encounters, 32 were evidenced in November’s meeting, with another humdinger expected in-front of a large attendance at Goldington Road. To read more about the BIG game, our online matchday programme is available by clicking here.
For the game, Rayer makes three changes to the side which signed off 2024 with an impressive performance in-front of a sellout Goldington Road crowd against Cambridge last time out.
Those triple alterations all come in the forwards pack as Jamie Jack and Tommy Herman are brought into the front row, while Rory Ward makes a welcome return from injury to partner Alex Woolford in the second row.
The backs division remains the same, with the added bonus of club captain, Alex Day fit enough to make a return from the replacements bench, part of a 6:2 split.
Blues would like to thank Rosslyn Park for their assistance in allowing tighthead prop Austin Hay to join the club on a short-term loan as injury cover, with Beltus Nonleh currently sidelined at Northampton.
The club would also like to thank Bath Rugby and John Stewart (Blues Brother #3841) for their support in the run up to Christmas, with the front row forward making four appearances throughout December, including an important try in the victory at London Scottish. We look forward to renewing acquaintances in the Premiership Rugby Cup next month in front of the TV cameras.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Louis James, 14. Matt Worley, 13. Michael Le Bourgeois (C), 12. Joel Matavesi, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey, 9. James Lennon; 1. Jamie Jack, 2. Tommy Herman, 3. Oisin Heffernan, 4. Rory Ward, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Luke Frost, 7. Fyn Brown, 8. Fred Tuilagi
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Craig Wright, 17. Joey Conway, 18. Austin Hay, 19. George Smith, 20. Cameron King, 21. Joe Howard, 22. Alex Day, 23. Lucas Titherington
Unavailable for selection this week:
Jac Arthur, Shay Kerry, Jamie Elliott, Pat Tapley, Alfie Garside
