Academy News

Due to the Wellingborough school pitches being waterlogged, the Bedford Academy U19 game against EM U20s on Sunday January 24th will now be played on the synthetic pitch at Tresham College - Kick Off is 1.00 pm.

Tresham College
Windmill Avenue
Kettering
Northants
N15 6ER

After a long break since their last game the Blues Academy were back in action on Saturday with a convincing win, in perfect conditions at Grange Road,  against Cambridge University U20s.  Ahead by 31pts – 0 at half time, Bedford withstood a spirited comeback from the students in the second half to end as winners by 50pts – 0.

The Blues had a great start with an early try from centre Paul Aguele.  A poor clearing kick from Cambridge allowed Bedford to counter, and Aguele went in from the half way line; full back Liam Shields converted, and it was 7pts – 0 to the Blues after two minutes.  

After a long break since their last game the Blues Academy are back in action this Saturday – away against Cambridge University U20s, Kick Off at 2.00pm.

The Blues make eight changes (one of them positional) to the starting line that lost to Nottingham before Christmas.

In the pack, Ben Thompson starts at prop, Jacob Moody and Callum Strachan at second row, with Harry Peterkin and Rahat Choudhury on the flanks.  In the back line Ben Phillips returns at fly half and scrum half Callum Tormey and winger Oli Beavis (both Oaklands College) make their Blues debuts.  The side will be captained by scrum half Olly Howard.

After beating Nottingham, three weeks ago by a narrow score, the Blues Academy faced them again, this time playing a much younger side. with 12 changes from the starting line up from three weeks ago.  Nottingham were the better side, more physical in contact, and more clinical in finishing.  They took a 12pts – 5 lead at half time before running out as well deserved winners by 34pts – 15.

STOP PRESS.  Bedford 15pts. Notttingham 34pts.  Report to follow.

Bedford Academy welcome Nottingham Academy to Bedford on Saturday.  With the Blues at home against Bristol the Academy game is at the Bedford Swifts’ ground with Kick Off at 12.30pm.

Bedford had a narrow win against Nottingham three weeks ago (12pts – 8).  This second game, although still an Under 19 game, has been set up to allow both sides to include a number of younger players.

STOP PRESS - Sat am - Game cancelled:

The Blues Academy travel to Leicester to take on the Leicester Tigers Academy, at their Oval Park ground, on Saturday, KO 1.00 pm.

In the pack, Charley Robinson returns at prop with Charley Harvey at 2nd row, and Jacob Moody moving to flanker.  Dylan Leney starts at scrum half and Paul Aguele returns from injury on the wing with Liam Shields moving to full back.  The side will be captained by No. 8 Rahat Choudhury.
 

The Blues Academy have announced that Blues 1st XV players James Pritchard and Charlie Clare are joining the Blues Academy Coaching team.  Pritch and Charlie will help coach the Academy squad for the remainder of the season.

Congratulations to two ex-Blues Academy players named in the Cambridge University squad for the Varsity game to be played at Twickenham on Thursday December 10th.

Ollie Clough (on left) has been selected at outside centre, alongside Welsh International, and British Lion, Jamie Roberts, and Mike Phillips, also a centre, has been selected on the bench.  

On a blustery day at Goldington Road, the Blues Academy were in the lead for only one second of the game, but it was the final second of the game. 

With strong gusting winds making it difficult for both sides to establish any rhythm neither side could score in the first half.  Both sides were well matched, and found it difficult to break the line.

The Blues Academy welcome Nottingham Academy to Goldington Road on Sunday, KO 2.00 pm.

The Blues continue their policy of squad rotation and make ten changes (two of them positional) to the starting line that beat Oxford University Whippets last weekend.