Match Preview

Bedfored v Exeter

by One Eyed Jack

 So, four matches played in National Division 1 and the table is beginning to take shape with little in the way of surprises. Early season pacesetters Bedford are the next to stand in the way of Exeter as the Devon men make the trip to Goldington Road on Saturday afternoon. Bedford sit on top of the table level on 19 points with Leeds but have a far superior points difference with 180 in their favour and only 45 against (compared to Leeds 147 for and 70 against). Exeter sit in third place level on points with Nottingham but have the second highest points for and joint lowest points conceded in the division. With Doncaster and London Welsh just behind the leaders it emphasises the gravitas of games such as this weekends encounter. A win for Bedford would see them begin to pull away whereas a win for Exeter tightens it up at the top even more. Exeter turned on the style against a weaker than expected performance from another of the early season promises in Moseley. Bedford will have noted this and this weekend will be a test for both sides and the opportunity to really put down a marker and announce their intentions for a place amongst the games elite in the Guinness Premiership. A place Exeter have never yet been but a place where Bedford do have some experience – although it was the Allied Dunbar Premiership in 1998/1999 and 1999/2000 seasons when Bedford were there. They were relegated back to ND1 after their second season although they survived the previous year when West Hartlepool were the unlucky club to be relegated and they had go through a play-off to preserve their status in the top flight as the number of clubs was reduced from fourteen to twelve. Bedford play their home matches at Goldington Road which has been their home since 1886. Although the ground has a capacity of 6000 the average home gate is just over 2000. It will be a tough place for Exeter to go and get a win and they fell just short last year with Bedford taking the spoils 14-12 in revenge of Exeter’s 27-6 win at Sandy Park last September. They are coached by former Wales international centre Mike Rayer who also played for the club in his distinguished career. Rayer is one of a long list of notable former players which includes Martin Bayfield, Andy Gomersall, Scott Murray, Jeff Probyn, Gareth Rees, Rudolf Straeuli, Rory Underwood, Roy Winters, Junior Paramore and Paul Sackey. Tony Yapp and Emyr Lewis are two players in the current Exeter squad that have had a spell with the east Midlands outfit. Their current squad is very strong and the links with their neighbours Leicester and Northampton is evident. Experienced scrum half Ian Vass rejoined the club from Northampton but moves from the number nine berth to fly half or centre. Northampton also provide promising full back Will Harries and England U20 second row Phil Hoy to the rosta on loan. From Leicester they are boosted by former academy players in centres Ollie Dodge (son of Paul Dodge) and Billy Twelvetrees, second row Greg Gillanders, tight head prop Sam Walsh. They also have the experience of player coach Nick Walshe and Canada international James Pritchard who has been a steady source of points for them since 2001. One to watch will be 21 year old former Bath winger Ian Davey will who joined Bedford in the summer. Previously he earned himself an England U18 cap having choosing rugby over a promising sprint career. Bedford Blues v Exeter Chiefs at Goldington Road on what looks set to be a breezy but dry Saturday afternoon is too close to call. But one thing is for sure, those that make the game should be treated to a feast of entertaining rugby. May the best team win!

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