Bedford Blues return home this Saturday 24th March for another crucial encounter against Doncaster Knights as the visitors attempt to leapfrog Mike Rayer’s men (KO 3pm).

The Blues lead the race for third position in the table after the Knights slipped up at Castle Park versus Richmond at the weekend and Yorkshire, similarly to Bedford’s planned trip to Nottingham, postponed their fixture against Ealing due to inclement weather.

Big wins for Cornish Pirates and Jersey have elevated both sides in the table and there is now only four points or one victory separating third and seventh in the Championship table.

Clive Griffiths’ Doncaster side will be looking to bounce back from last weekend and gain the season’s bragging rights over the Blues after the return fixture back in November ended in a 25-all draw.

Rayer’s troops have now gone two weekends without a game, but will be aiming for a repeat of their last outing which saw them blow away fellow Yorkshiremen, Carnegie, as the Blues beat the snowy weather and claimed an important bonus point win.

Games between Bedford and Doncaster are always close and hard-fought encounters and nothing less is expected this weekend. Tickets for the match can be purchased online, saving £4 each adult, by clicking here. 

Off the field there’s also plenty to enjoy, so pick up a match programme from the gates and make your way to one of the friendly bars around the ground before what is sure to be a cracking afternoon of rugby. Our choice would be the upstairs Eagle Bar for a pint of this week’s Guest Ale; Brakspear Bitter from Oxfordshire.

Marquee hospitality is again sold out already for this fixture, but there are plenty of other places around the ground to grab a bite to eat including the famous ‘Nos’ Nosh’ located in the Scrum Hall or one of the food outlets around the ground. Don’t miss out next match, book hospitality for the Cup Quarter Final against Ulster on Saturday 31st March by emailing sophie@bedfordrugby.co.uk or hollie@bedfordrugby.co.uk.

This week’s SSG Guard of Honour will be the winners of the Bedford & Kempston and North Bedfordshire School Sport Partnerships Year 5 & 6 competitions. Let’s give them and the Bedford Bear a loud cheer as the teams run out.

During the game, as well as the fantastic on field action, be on your best behavior and loudest voice as our cameraman trawls the crowds for shots for a short Season Ticket video the club are producing.

After full-time our Anglian Fasteners Man of the Match will be presented in the Marquee followed by live music from the returning Mark Calder.

If you’re looking to mull over the match in a slightly quieter environment, then head up to the Eagle Bar where the Michael R Peters Final Whistle will have all the immediate post-match reaction and expert analysis from both coaches and players.

It’s sure to be a chilly one on Saturday so don’t forget to take a look in our well-stocked club shop where you’ll find plenty of hats, scarves and jackets, as well as all the latest Replica and leisurewear. Remember as always to show your season tickets for 10% off any purchase.

Match sponsors: Eagle Travel