For the second week in a row it is first versus third in National League One as Bedford welcome Exeter Chiefs to Goldington Road in what is sure to be the biggest game of the season so far for the Blues who maintained their perfect start to the season last week.

Not a great deal separates the teams in the league at the moment but home form is always an important factor in this match-up. Bedford have won the last three visits of the Chiefs and they will be looking for much of the same this weekend.

Bedford last faced Exeter in a dramatic game back in January when a try from Alex Page as well as a James Pritchard penalty and two drop goals from Ben Patston was enough to see the home side to a 14-12 victory.

Speaking about the game Blues director of rugby Mike rayer said: “I am very respectful of Exeter as they have a squad of about 45 professional players and a backroom team who support them all the way. They are a Premiership set-up in everything but name.

“Nevertheless we love this sort of a challenge and we have nothing to lose. We will be going about our business in a good way and we are on our home pitch which we want to make a fortress again."

The only noticeable absentees for Bedford are Ben Pienaar, who is missing through a back injury, and Ryan Owen, who broke his nose last week against London Welsh.

The Blues make a few changes to the team that beat London Welsh last weekend with Billy Twelvetrees, Ollie Dodge and Nick Walshe all getting the nod in the backs replacing Ian vass, Ryan Owen and Brad Davies. Up front Paul Tupai and Sacha Harding both start the game in place of Rory McKay and Brett Daynes.

Starting line-up:

15. James Pritchard
14. Ollie Dodge
13. Brendan Burke
12. Billy Twelvetrees
11. Ian Davey
10. Nick Walshe
9. Karl Dickson
1. Marco Cecere
2. Dan Richmond ©
3. Phil Boulton
4. Mike Howard
5. Mouritz Botha
6. Paul Tupai
7. Sacha Harding
8. Gregor Gillanders

Replacements: 16. Greg Sammons 17. James Graham 18. Rory McKay 19. Brett Daynes 20. Brad Davies 21. Ian Vass 22. Will Harries

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