Three points in two games separated Bedford Blues and the Cornish Pirates last season and unfortunately it was the west country side that took all the spoils.

Bedford put in an excellent display down in Camborne last October but a dubious decision cost them dear as the hosts pinched the match with a one point victory. The visit to Goldington Road in February was just as painful for Bedford as the Pirates again stole the points when they converted a stoppage time try to pip the hosts 15-17 after a fine James Pritchard kicking display.

Bedford’s three game winning streak came to an end against Nottingham on Sunday as the hosts put in a big second half performance to overturn the Blues narrow halftime lead. The game at Meadow Lane was an enthralling affair with both teams throwing everything including the kitchen sink at each other. The Blues were denied a bonus point and it is the first time this season that they had failed to take anything from a game.

Director of rugby Mike Rayer makes a few of changes to the starting line from last week with Nick Walshe starting at scrum half due to Karl Dickson’s jaw injury and new boy James Cannon gives Mike Howard a well deserved break at lock. Ryan Owen comes into the line on the wing, Sam Walsh starts at loose head prop, Brett Daynes plays at flanker and Greg Sammons gets the nod over Dan Richmond at hooker while Brendan Burke is named captain.

Rayer said: "Games against the Cornish Pirates are always good and you only have to look at last season to see that. They have a very strong pack and play in a very similar style to ourselves.
 
"We've made a few changes and this is due in part to injury but also because of man management. We have a small squad and we need to make sure that our players get through the season.
“Nick Walshe, by his own admission, has been a bit rusty but he can now concentrate on being the cog of the team at number nine. He 's an England international and he certainly isn't a bad replacement to have for Dicko."

Starting line-up:
15. Brendan Burke ©
14. Will Harries
13. Liam Roberts
12. Billy Twelvetrees
11. Ryan Owen
10. Ian Vass
9. Nick Walshe
8. Gregor Gillanders
7. Brett Daynes
6. Paul Tupai
5. Mouritz Botha
4. James Cannon
3. Phil Boulton
2. Greg Sammons
1. Sam Walsh
Replacements: 16. Dan Richmond 17. James Graham 18. Marco Cecere 19. Mike Howard 20. Rory McKay 21. Will Chudley 22. Ollie Dodge

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