Bedford Blues skipper Alex Day was part of an England U20 backline also featuring Jack Nowell, Anthony Watson and Henry Slade in 2013, when they beat Wales in the final in Vannes. Thirteen years on, the scrum-half is preparing to lead out a club he has taken to his heart since joining permanently in 2021 as they take on Worcester Warriors at their Goldington Road fortress for the right to call themselves Elior Champ Rugby champions.
“It will probably be the highlight of my career,” he said. “There might have been some ‘bigger’ things earlier in my career but I think about the club and what it means to me, what it has given me, how it has given me a new lease of life and how much I enjoy it. Being backed by Mikey to lead the boys means a lot and it will be a special day. Fingers crossed we can get the job done – we have a tough task on our hands but it will be a great day regardless.”
A Semi-Final to Remember
A barnstorming second-half display in the semi-final against Coventry sealed Blues’ place in the showpiece. Bedford came from 12-10 down to win 58-24, with Ryan Hutler’s second try gaining plenty of online attention courtesy of Dean Adamson’s brilliant chip and chase.
“Dean is a brilliant player, an absolute servant to Bedford Blues,” Day said. “He does that stuff in training all the time so it’s not a particular surprise. I don’t think there is anyone better in the league. The chip and chase came off and it was nice for him to put someone else away for a try instead of everyone else putting him away! Credit to him, he’s a class player and sums up Bedford Blues.”
Worcester Warriors: A Tough Challenge
Blues did the double over Worcester in the regular season, backing up a 35-19 victory at Goldington Road with a 28-14 success at Sixways. But Day knows the formbook will go out the window on the big day, particularly with Warriors riding the crest of a wave following their dramatic 34-29 win at previously unbeaten Ealing Trailfinders on Saturday.
“They are one of the hardest games we had this season, especially away when we battled to a win down there. You only have to look at the calibre of players they have, with PREM players and internationals, we are aware of what they did in becoming the only team to beat Ealing this year. That should set our alarm bells ringing and they are going to be up for it, as will we. It will be a good ding-dong.”
Play-Offs: A Welcome Addition
Whatever the outcome on Sunday, Day remains an advocate for the return of the play-offs, which have breathed fresh life into the run-in. The former Saracens man has made more than 250 appearances at this level and hopes the format remains in place.
“I’ve played in this league for quite a few years now and when you get to the end of the season and there are just league positions up for grabs, some games can be dull affairs – or they might be high-scoring, but there is not really much on the line. This brings an extra element and you could feel the atmosphere. There were nearly 4,000 there on Friday, which was amazing. It was definitely one of the best nights I’ve been involved in at Goldington Road and hopefully we can go one better this weekend.”
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