British and Irish Cup: Bedford Blues want big finish
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Bedford director of rugby Mike Rayer has challenged his side to conclude their successful season in style.
The Blues face Bristol in the British and Irish Cup final on Saturday after being .
Rayer told BBC Three Counties Radio that a win against Bristol would help ease last weekend's disappointment.
"It's always nice to finish with something tangible, something to show for your troubles," he said.
"It would be a great way to finish off, we've done well in this competition, and we've enjoyed our journey and hopefully we can show we're a consistent team."
Victory for the Blues would cap off a campaign which saw them finish second in the first stage of the Championship, reach the semi-finals of the play-offs and knock out Worcester on their way to the British and Irish Cup final.
Rayer's men have also beaten Bristol twice this term, but the former Wales full-back does not feel the Goldington Road outfit have an edge over the home side.
"They've progressed massively since then and it's a massive occasion for them," he said
"There's a lot of emotion around what they're about at the weekend, because Paul Hull is leaving as their coach of many years.
"I'm sure they'll want to give their loyal supporters a bit of a fillip. They've had a bit of a nightmare season in terms of turmoil off the field and they've got a chance to turn that around and finish with a bit of silverware.
"It's a great opportunity for us to finish the season on a high, over the last two or three weeks we've played some outstanding rugby and are back to where we have been at periods."
Bedford Blues side to face Bristol: Edd Thrower, Handre Schmidt, Myles Dorrian. Ollie Dodge, James Pritchard, Jake Sharp, Will Chudley, Dan Seal, Dan Richmond, Phil Boulton, Mike Howard, George Kruis, Gregor Gillanders, Alex Rae, Paul Tupai
Replacements: Chris Locke, Sam Walsh, Sean Tomes, Chris Goodman, Darryl Veenendaal, Tom Bedford, Duncan Taylor.
