Bedford Blues v Coventry: Preview
Big crowd expected for first home Championship clash of the season
Championship rugby arrives at Goldington Road on Saturday and old rivals Coventry are in town for Bedford Blues' first home fixture of the campaign.
Blues began their campaign with an excellent 26-12 win at Doncaster
last weekend and now look to make it two wins out of two in front of what is expected to be a packed house.
Director of rugby Mike Rayer is expecting a tough afternoon. He said: "A fixture against the likes of Coventry always gets the juices flowing.
"They certainly don't lack for any physical or aggressive nature and have been very competitive over the last few years.
"No doubt they will be motivated, looking to come here and put one over us.
"We are fully respectful of Coventry but it is up to us to front up.
"We understand we will have to battle hard for it and perhaps not be perhaps as free-flowing and point scoring as people expect.
"It is going be hard work and it may go down to the last quarter of an hour for us to get the job done."
Rayer also admitted he already senses a more competitive edge to the league this season, which was cut from 16 teams to 12.
He said: "I think the players are starting to realise what a challenge the Championship is going to be.
"We go from Doncaster away to Coventry at home and then Plymouth away to Bristol at home, the challenges keep on coming every single week."
On the injury front, Blues will be without scrum-half Nick Walshe (hamstring) for around four to six weeks, meaning youngster Will Chudley should get his chance at number nine.
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Blues want to remind supporters they can save money on their match tickets up until a day before a home game if they buy in advance either online at www.bedfordrugby.co.uk or by calling 0871 871 1886.
Alternatively, visit the ground between 10am and 4pm on weekdays.
Supporters are also advised to arrive at the ground early on Saturday to avoid long queues at the turnstiles. Gates and bars open at noon.
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Weather for Biggleswade
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
