BLUES: 'We won't let our standards drop'
Rayer warns against complacency as Saturday win virtually guarantees Blues a play-off spot
Competition for places will negate any complacency in the Bedford Blues' ranks.
The 19-16 defeat of the Cornish Pirates last weekend virtually guarantees the Blues a place in the top eight and the play-off spot that accompanies it.
But while the pressure of obtaining a positive result has diminished somewhat, Blues' director of rugby Mike Rayer doesn't expect his team's standards to drop.
He said: "There is a lot of competition for the shirt and that's how it should be. We've had a boost this week with the lads from Saracens training with us and the players know that if they don't turn up to play on the day then they don't get picked.
"The first half at Exeter was a huge setback, but the attitude against the Pirates was spot on and I've got no complaints there."
That change in attitude resulted in a well-deserved victory at Goldington Road, a win that pleased Rayer, who added: "We controlled the game for long periods although it didn't show on the scoreboard.
"They're a good side who are hard to break down, but we controlled possession and territory and defensively were very good."
Next up for the Blues is a trip to the second city to face Moseley and Rayer isn't expecting a pretty 80 minutes.
The Blues' final three league games are against sides – Moseley, Doncaster and Rotherham – who are battling for a play-off place and that could well result in scrappy
encounters.
"They (Moseley) are coming off a really good win against Rotherham.
It'll be a tough battle up front and they've got a combative back row who'll make it interesting."
"It'll be a bit of a dirt track, I've watched them on DVD, and although there will be less pressure on us, it'll be far from easy."
The Blues' task will be made easier by having a nearly fully-fit group of players to choose from.
Winger Ian Davey, who has a dead leg, is definitely out and Liam Roberts is a doubt with a back spasm, but Ollie Dodge and Gregor Gillanders will both feature in the 22-strong squad.
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Weather for Bedford
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
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