It’s almost here, the big Boxing Day bout versus Ampthill at Goldington Road as the Blues look to finish 2018 in style against the near neighbours for local bragging rights (KO 3pm).

Tickets are selling fast, but there’s still plenty of availability in both the Eagle Stand and Ground Entry with a massive advance online discount of £5.00, click here now to get yours!

Boxing Day opponents, Ampthill, sit just six points off the top spot in National League 1 in fourth place currently. Their impressive squad includes familiar Blues names, such as Soane Tonga’uiha and James Pritchard, alongside star names including Mamma Molitika, Aleki Lutui, Kevin Barrett, amongst others.

Mike Rayer’s men will need to continue their fine Championship and Cup form to overcome Paul Turner’s chargers. Get down to the home of the Blues for a great afternoon of rugby and festive cheer with lots to enjoy on and off the field.

All gates and collection windows will be open as usual from 12 noon, including the Bushmead Gate entrance for any advance ticket holders. Supporters can either use the print @ home tickets or scan the tickets on a smart phone device where appropriate.

On arrival inside the ground, pick up a mini Boxing Day programme for £1 and make your way to one of the many bars. Try the Eagle Bar for the best choice of ales with Bedford’s own Eagle IPA, Greene King IPA or guest ale, Wainwright’s The Golden Beer.

Hospitality is now sold out for this fixture, but for a pre-match bite to eat either head to one of the food outlets located by the front entrance or beside the Blues Marquee, alternatively enjoy a meal with Nos’s Nosh in the Scrum Hall.  

As the teams run out, give a big festive welcome to both sets of players as well as the Bedford Junior Blues and Ampthill Juniors who will make up the Boxing Day Autoglass Guard of Honour. If you have a team, school or group that you wish to enter to form our welcome tunnel, please email community@bedfordrugby.co.uk.

At full-time make sure you stick around for the Man of the Match award with MC Sam Roberts in the marquee, followed by live music from the returning Mark Calder and post-match party!

For those wishing to review the 80 minutes and enjoy a bit of expert analysis, head up to the Eagle Bar for some live match reaction from players and coaches in the MRP Final Whistle.

Don’t panic if you missed anything off your Christmas list, the Club Shop will be open before, at half-time and after the match so you can check out all of the latest products including the new leisurewear range.  

Please note this is not a Season Ticket holder inclusive fixture, please buy online in advance to save a huge £5.00 each. Click here to buy.

Match Sponsor: D Gibbs Carpentry