Bedford Blues
New Year Chinnor Blues
By TryBlues
December 26 2025
The last time we visited Chinnor, I remember it well. I went and suffered one of our worst performances I have seen. Starting with an 18 and 20 year old half back pairing in their first starts for Blues was an error in judgement. The game saw Blues make one pass in the brutal wind, rain and mud to be hit by a wall of Chinnor defenders to happen all over again. We didn't go anywhere! It was crying out for a couple of passes to get them moving, but nothing really changed much of the game.
Chinnor flying high this season, having just lost once at home 6-11 to Nottingham are currently 4th and in the fiercely contested battle for 6. 4 clubs are within 3 points of each other. Chinnor will be fancying and looking to turn Blues over again in first game of 2026.
Blues have a bonus day to recover after a lacklustre performance against Richmond, where Chinnor should have a bruising encounter with Worcester, coming out victorious. Blues haven't lost since the opening 2 games, an impressive run of form, but this be one of their toughest away tests.
I can't see many changes to the team that started earlier today against Richmond. Woolford may come back in if he has recovered from concussion. Fish and Jack may start in the usual front row rotation. Brown could come in for Finch if available.
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Discussion started by Blues Brothers (IP Logged), 26/12/2025 23:07
26/12/2025 23:07
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For me, start strong and fast. Their success against top half teams seems to have come from close games, that they contest hard for final 15 minutes. Games not over until …. Mentality.
Looking forward.
Looking forward.
I thought Sylvester had a great impact of the bench yet again. Still don’t understand why he doesn’t start more games but wouldn’t be surprised if he gets the nod for Chinnor. Expect the usual hooker rotation.
In the backs, Pasco always has a good cameo when he comes off the bench and was one of the few bright sparks against Cambridge. I’d like to see him get a start. Him and Weimann were name dropped as making an impact off the bench by the coaches. Any other week I’d propose giving Weimann a start but given what happened last year in this fixture when we rotated the half backs I feel inclined to stick with Day and Maisey.
Chinnor’s key players are Alun Walker at hooker (who played 80 against Worcester) and Luke Carter at scrum half.
In the backs, Pasco always has a good cameo when he comes off the bench and was one of the few bright sparks against Cambridge. I’d like to see him get a start. Him and Weimann were name dropped as making an impact off the bench by the coaches. Any other week I’d propose giving Weimann a start but given what happened last year in this fixture when we rotated the half backs I feel inclined to stick with Day and Maisey.
Chinnor’s key players are Alun Walker at hooker (who played 80 against Worcester) and Luke Carter at scrum half.
Quote:Bluesman23
I thought Sylvester had a great impact of the bench yet again. Still don’t understand why he doesn’t start more games but wouldn’t be surprised if he gets the nod for Chinnor. Expect the usual hooker rotation.
In the backs, Pasco always has a good cameo when he comes off the bench and was one of the few bright sparks against Cambridge. I’d like to see him get a start. Him and Weimann were name dropped as making an impact off the bench by the coaches. Any other week I’d propose giving Weimann a start but given what happened last year in this fixture when we rotated the half backs I feel inclined to stick with Day and Maisey.
Chinnor’s key players are Alun Walker at hooker (who played 80 against Worcester) and Luke Carter at scrum half.
As a Worcester fan, I thought the Chinnor number 4 (big lanky second row) was the man of the match yesterday. We may have a good squad, but we miles away from having a good team
I have yet to be impressed by Weimann, yes he scored a try by being on the end of the move but I haven’t seen anything to really impress at present. I’d prefer Lennon in the squad.
Maybe Sylvester may come in at 2nd row for Chinnor if Woolford is out. His lineout ability will help disrupt their lineout.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:12:28:19:56:04 by TryBlues.
Maybe Sylvester may come in at 2nd row for Chinnor if Woolford is out. His lineout ability will help disrupt their lineout.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:12:28:19:56:04 by TryBlues.
Quote:TryBlues
I’d prefer Lennon in the squad.
Lennon was running drinks the other day and looked to have a slight limp, but he's not been named on the absence list, so they may just be being cautious.
Surprised Heffernan is on the bench, when Chinnor had a good scrum v Worcester, as ours did so well.
Pasco has a start, my guess is Weimann is playing for a contract with Saints and they have asked us to test him out.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Louis James, 14. George Worth, 13. Lucas Titherington, 12. Billy Pasco, 11. Ryan Hutler, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Joey Conway, 2. James Fish, 3. Sonny Tonga’uiha, 4. Rory Ward, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Fred Tuilagi, 7. Fyn Brown, 8. Tui Uru
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Tommy Herman, 17. Jamie Jack, 18. Oisin Heffernan, 19. Ilan Evans, 20. Kayde Sylvester, 21. Jonny Weimann, 22. Tom Price, 23. Michael Le Bourgeois
Unavailable for selection this week:
Archie Hosking, Dean Adamson, Rafe Witheat
Pasco has a start, my guess is Weimann is playing for a contract with Saints and they have asked us to test him out.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Louis James, 14. George Worth, 13. Lucas Titherington, 12. Billy Pasco, 11. Ryan Hutler, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Joey Conway, 2. James Fish, 3. Sonny Tonga’uiha, 4. Rory Ward, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Fred Tuilagi, 7. Fyn Brown, 8. Tui Uru
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Tommy Herman, 17. Jamie Jack, 18. Oisin Heffernan, 19. Ilan Evans, 20. Kayde Sylvester, 21. Jonny Weimann, 22. Tom Price, 23. Michael Le Bourgeois
Unavailable for selection this week:
Archie Hosking, Dean Adamson, Rafe Witheat
I don’t think it matters too much which props start given they are likely to do 50 mins and 30 mins respectively. Some teams deliberately start with the stronger props on the bench so they can play the 2nd half and finish the game.
Happy to see Pasco get a start. Shame about Deano. Harsh on Evans who had his best game since joining last week and made the championship team of the week.
Happy to see Pasco get a start. Shame about Deano. Harsh on Evans who had his best game since joining last week and made the championship team of the week.
I still think bringing Tonga on when the opposition is starting to fatigue is best. Having to deal with a player who takes 2 or 3 to stop him opens up more space to attack.
Although when we had his dad I would wonder why we had him on the bench sometimes when he was so destructive in open play!
Although when we had his dad I would wonder why we had him on the bench sometimes when he was so destructive in open play!
Disappointing a Bedford game called off at such short notice, again. The freezing conditions have been trailed for a few days. Surely, it's not beyond the wit of man to call for postponement earlier to save clubs and supporters the expense of travelling. Or home clubs to take precautions to protect the pitch ahead of the game to avoid the disappointment of postponement.
I suppose, on the upside, the travelling distance is not as great as from Caldy, and credit to the Chinnor players for, I understand, indicating they wanted to play.
I suppose, on the upside, the travelling distance is not as great as from Caldy, and credit to the Chinnor players for, I understand, indicating they wanted to play.
Yes disappointing for Blues and Chinnor. This was potentially going to be their biggest crowd and provide some much needed funds for them. I guess they get double the bar and food takings but will lose support I imagine from some holiday fans.
Anyone have a clue how Clubber TV tickets bought after 14:00 on day of match get treated… by Clubber?
Not even a Clubber warning that the game was being reviewed until 15:20. Then transmission showed pitch assessment, and then stream just dropped.
Not even a Clubber warning that the game was being reviewed until 15:20. Then transmission showed pitch assessment, and then stream just dropped.
Bond Holder, The access you buy is for the week (month) and gives access to all games from the time of purchase for seven days (or month). The postponement of one game will not, I think, entitle anyone to compensation. All clubber game streams are available for the period bought.. The Blues game may have been called off but the Trailfinders v Warriors game is a cracker. Couple of former Blues players in it which may ease the disappointment of not watching current Blues.
I have the season ticket and watched Ealing v Worcester and some of Doncaster v Caldy before and in between.
My opinion which will not be popular...
It isn't Clubbers fault, they are a business and had costs (commentators, camera operators, amongst others), so they will be equally frustrated. There were no winners and it is a tiny risk and cost lost.
Those who drove don't get their petrol, etc. It is part of being a fan you lose money and things don't always go your way.
I would think of it more of an investment in keeping Clubber for next season, I am sure we all want it to continue. I have been able to watch all Blues matches this year thanks to it and seen various bits or full games of others.
My opinion which will not be popular...
It isn't Clubbers fault, they are a business and had costs (commentators, camera operators, amongst others), so they will be equally frustrated. There were no winners and it is a tiny risk and cost lost.
Those who drove don't get their petrol, etc. It is part of being a fan you lose money and things don't always go your way.
I would think of it more of an investment in keeping Clubber for next season, I am sure we all want it to continue. I have been able to watch all Blues matches this year thanks to it and seen various bits or full games of others.
Rearranged for 17th, not sure if that is a good or bad thing before Coventry.
You might be missing my main point:
Whilst postponement due to weather is not Clubber’s issue. At no point before payment or afterwards even once the decision was made, did they display Bedford game postponed.
The Clubber team at the ground for commentary must have known status, and so why couldn’t they transmit same by way of update?
By paying I become a customer and as such I should expect a service.
There was no message prior to transmission ending confirming that the game was off. Transmission stopped at 15:28 sh.
Whilst postponement due to weather is not Clubber’s issue. At no point before payment or afterwards even once the decision was made, did they display Bedford game postponed.
The Clubber team at the ground for commentary must have known status, and so why couldn’t they transmit same by way of update?
By paying I become a customer and as such I should expect a service.
There was no message prior to transmission ending confirming that the game was off. Transmission stopped at 15:28 sh.
Quote:Bond Holder
The Clubber team at the ground for commentary must have known status, and so why couldn’t they transmit same by way of update?
To be fair to Clubber I don't think they did know the status. I had the stream on not knowing what was going on and they gave an update at around 1510 saying they weren't sure what the delay was and later said that according to Bedfords social media feed the game had been postponed, but they had not had confirmation and nothing had come from Chinnor. It seems to have been really poor communication by the officials, and I'm not too sure what the responsibility from the home club is, but Chinnor didn't put anything out until around 1530.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:07:22:11:52 by Finn Blue.
Thanks all.
Good news Clubber stepped up.
I’ve now bought a half season so no issue if we have more postponements.
Other: hadn’t realised you can watch the back catalogue of first half if you so wish.
Well played Clubber.
👍
Good news Clubber stepped up.
I’ve now bought a half season so no issue if we have more postponements.
Other: hadn’t realised you can watch the back catalogue of first half if you so wish.
Well played Clubber.
👍
Quote:Bond Holder
Thanks all.
Good news Clubber stepped up.
I’ve now bought a half season so no issue if we have more postponements.
Other: hadn’t realised you can watch the back catalogue of first half if you so wish.
Well played Clubber.
👍
Do we know they’re showing the rearranged game? It’s not showing on their schedule.
We will probably be without Sonny and Weimann, they are at a England U20 training camp this week
Sonny a big loss especially as it’ll be a muddy pitch we could have done with his bulk.
There in Portugal training Tuesday till Friday maybe they could parachute him in on the way back.
There in Portugal training Tuesday till Friday maybe they could parachute him in on the way back.
Yep, Sonny is a massive loss. Expect we will be playing on a quagmire again. Why the Chinnor pitch is always in worse condition than everyone else in this league, both when it rains and when it’s cold, is a mystery to me.
The training photos showed Finn Brown, so that at least looks a positve!
Chinnor had some good props last year so we need a 2nd tighthead, as it is asking a lot for Heffernan to go 80 mins in the mud!
Chinnor had some good props last year so we need a 2nd tighthead, as it is asking a lot for Heffernan to go 80 mins in the mud!
Royston and Lennon on the bench, otherwise with Heffernan starting.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Louis James, 14. George Worth, 13. Lucas Titherington, 12. Billy Pasco, 11. Ryan Hutler, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Joey Conway, 2. James Fish, 3. Oisin Heffernan, 4. Rory Ward, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Fred Tuilagi, 7. Fyn Brown, 8. Tui Uru
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Tommy Herman, 17. Jamie Jack, 18. Monty Royston, 19. Ilan Evans, 20. Kayde Sylvester, 21. James Lennon, 22. Tom Price, 23. Michael Le Bourgeois
Unavailable for selection this week:
Archie Hosking, Dean Adamson, Rafe Witheat
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:16:23:28:08 by TryBlues.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Louis James, 14. George Worth, 13. Lucas Titherington, 12. Billy Pasco, 11. Ryan Hutler, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Joey Conway, 2. James Fish, 3. Oisin Heffernan, 4. Rory Ward, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Fred Tuilagi, 7. Fyn Brown, 8. Tui Uru
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Tommy Herman, 17. Jamie Jack, 18. Monty Royston, 19. Ilan Evans, 20. Kayde Sylvester, 21. James Lennon, 22. Tom Price, 23. Michael Le Bourgeois
Unavailable for selection this week:
Archie Hosking, Dean Adamson, Rafe Witheat
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:16:23:28:08 by TryBlues.
At last some rugby....in my book the Blues hardest game of the season....and as such a game the Blues excell in........COYB
Well Chinnor the 'new' kids on the block took the points yesterday, in my book not an unsuspected result.
I will leave those that watched the game to fill in the details.
How good were the Blues against Chinnor will become apparent on Friday night when Chinnor play Ealing.........I expect Ealing will go undefeated this season....
I expect the Blues to win against Coventry on Saturday ......your thoughts please..
I will leave those that watched the game to fill in the details.
How good were the Blues against Chinnor will become apparent on Friday night when Chinnor play Ealing.........I expect Ealing will go undefeated this season....
I expect the Blues to win against Coventry on Saturday ......your thoughts please..
Watched it on Clubber, and to be honest, we didn’t deserve to win.
Slow start and it didn’t speed up. The game seemed walking speed. Chinnor kept the game focused on their forwards. Very little wing play from either team.
Lots of silly mistakes which cost us red zone moments, including three incidents of ‘crossing’ - one resulting in a chalked off try.
Will M unusually missed multiple times off the tee.
Ref was very lenient considering the discipline on both sides.
In short, we got what we deserved. On to the next…. it’s sport!
Slow start and it didn’t speed up. The game seemed walking speed. Chinnor kept the game focused on their forwards. Very little wing play from either team.
Lots of silly mistakes which cost us red zone moments, including three incidents of ‘crossing’ - one resulting in a chalked off try.
Will M unusually missed multiple times off the tee.
Ref was very lenient considering the discipline on both sides.
In short, we got what we deserved. On to the next…. it’s sport!
Hopefully next season we go there at the beginning or end of the season or they do more to improve the pitch.
The maul try that was not turned the game, as after that we disappeared and to not get a point, was the first time this season.
Overall disappointing but the pitch is a leveler as we saw Ealing not win by that many.
The maul try that was not turned the game, as after that we disappeared and to not get a point, was the first time this season.
Overall disappointing but the pitch is a leveler as we saw Ealing not win by that many.
I listened yesterday to the conversations about the Chinnor game from those that went, the state of the pitch was mentioned as much as the game.
We provide at Goldington one of the best playing surfaces in the Championship, as we saw yesterday.
We provide at Goldington one of the best playing surfaces in the Championship, as we saw yesterday.
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