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TEAM NEWS | Squad named for Derby Day
Mike Rayer has named his squad as Bedford Blues look to make it back-to-back away Championship victories with the trip to local rivals, Ampthill tomorrow (KO 3pm).
Tickets still available from our hosts, click here to join us on the road this Derby Day.
There’s not too much left to learn for either side with this the fourth fixture between the two teams this season, and 20th since 2019/20, with both have having their standout moments over that timeframe.
Bedford have taken the Derby Day spoils on the previous three occasions in 24/25 but will be wary of retaliation from their neighbours who will look to benefit from home advantage at The Olney Field.
Over 50 points has been averaged in recent history, albeit just 28 last time out, but with the sun expected to shine in Bedfordshire both teams will look to put on a show in front of a bumper crowd.
Ahead of the game, Rayer has made four changes to his forwards pack including the familiar rotation of the prop jerseys, and the second-row duo of Shay Kerry and Alex Woolford coming back into the starting xv.
Among the replacements, former Junior Blue now Northampton Saints youngster Aiden Ainsworth-Cave is in line for a senior Championship debut back at his home club.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Louis James, 14. Alfie Garside, 13. Lucas Titherington, 12. Michael Le Bourgeois, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Joey Conway, 2. James Fish, 3. Oisin Heffernan, 4. Shay Kerry, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Luke Frost, 7. Joe Howard, 8. Fred Tuilagi
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Tommy Herman, 17. Jamie Jack, 18. Beltus Nonleh, 19. Rory Ward, 20. Aidan Ainsworth-Cave, 21. James Lennon, 22. Matt Worley, 23. Joel Matavesi
Unavailable for selection this week:
Jac Arthur, Cameron King, Jamie Elliott, Pat Tapley
