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TEAM NEWS | Squad named for Derby Day
Mike Rayer has named his squad as Bedford Blues prepare for their first of two home Friday Night Lights this February as neighbours, Ampthill make the short journey down the B530 tomorrow (KO 7:45pm).
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A 22nd competitive meeting between the sides since 2019, all form goes out of the window on Derby Day as both sides continue to jostle for position in the Champ Rugby table.
78 points were shared back in October, and another high scoring contest is anticipated as spectators of both sides flock into Goldington Road in support of their team. Read more about the game in our official match programme now available online here and in print format tomorrow night.
For the game, Rayer elects to make four changes from the defeat at Hartpury last weekend, as while some players are ready to return to action, others are added to the unavailable list in equal measure.
There are three changes up front as Blues are able to welcome back Rory Ward and Tui Uru into the Starting XV, while Tommy Herman also comes in from the off.
In the backs division, Champ Rugby’s greatest ever try scorer, Dean Adamson returns following an injury layoff, sparking a slight reshuffle of the jersey numbers and George Worth returning to the centres.
Among the replacements, Blues have brought in Bury St Edmunds hooker Matt Hicks on a short-term loan to cover James Fish’s absence through concussion protocols. The 22-year-old is set to become Blues Brother #3860 should he enter the fray at Goldington Road.
Elsewhere, James Lennon is set to become the latest member of the illustrious century club as he looks to provide an impact off the bench on the occasion of his 100th appearance.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Louis James, 14. Joe Hill, 13. George Worth, 12. Lucas Titherington, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Jamie Jack, 2. Tommy Herman, 3. Oisin Heffernan, 4. Rory Ward, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Fred Tuilagi, 7. Fyn Brown, 8. Tui Uru
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Matt Hicks (Blues Brother #3860), 17. Monty Royston, 18. Ben Griffin, 19. James Bennett, 20. Nicholas Finch, 21. James Lennon (100th Blues Appearance), 22. Tom Price, 23. Billy Pasco
Unavailable for selection this week:
Joey Conway, James Fish, Michael Le Bourgeois, Rafe Witheat
