News
Blues Women prepare for historic first fixture
Bedford Blues Women are getting set for their first ever competitive fixture as they host Shelford Ladies Nomads at Goldington Road this Sunday (KO 2pm).
Following a packed pre-season with several appearances at various tournaments up and down the country, including two losing finalist places, Mark Stapley’s side will be looking to get their campaign off to a flying start at the weekend.
How Did We Get Here?
Formed in June 2020, the Bedford Blues Women side have spent more than a year waiting patiently to enter the RFU divisional system. They will compete in NC3 Midlands (Central) Division alongside Shelford Ladies Nomads, Wellingborough Ladies and Letchworth GC Ladies.
The formation of the side stems from the development plan originally created by the Junior Blues in 2017, with three age group teams; U13s, U15s and U18s culminating with the need for a pathway through to Women’s adult rugby.
Following Bedford Blues’ successful hosting of England Women’s Autumn International against Italy at Goldington Road in November 2019, we joined forces to create a legacy from the event and hopefully inspire women to play rugby locally.
Bedford Blues Chief Operating Officer, Gareth Alred said: “Since hosting the hugely successful international fixture, we have seen first-hand the real growth of the Women’s game and interest in Bedford.
“A huge credit has to go to Head Coach, Mark Stapley who has been the driving force behind this since day one and has achieved a lot in a relatively short space of time, along with the players who have shown great determination to get this off the ground during a pandemic.
“It was fantastic to see the Women’s side enjoying a team building day at sponsors, Woburn Country Foods, last week and the work they have put it first hand – we wish them the very best for Sunday and through their debut season.”
View From The Coach
Discussing Sunday’s fixture, Bedford Blues Women’s Head Coach, Mark Stapley said: “We’re very excited. It’s been a long time coming, and to play our first game at Goldington Road is awesome.
“It’s been challenging in the last 18 months. But we had a good core of players join at the start and we’ve gradually added to that as we’ve gone through.
“We feel like we’re ready to go, we’ve got to two finals in pre-season and feel that with local support behind us on Sunday, we can start off on a strong footing.”
Opposition Analysis
Shelford Ladies Nomads are also a new team and will contest their first ever competitive fixture on Sunday. They have looked impressive in their pre-season outings, including a 68-0 victory over Wymondham Bees last time out.
Shelford have two ladies’ teams competing in the divisional system for the first time in their history as the game continues to flourish at senior and youth development age grades across the country.
FREE entry at Goldington Road this Sunday
Entrance will be free of charge for everybody so head down and cheer on the team!
The Scrum Bar and The Burrow at the Blues will all be open to grab a pre and post-match pint with all the usual favourites on offer! Table bookings are advised for The Burrow and can be booked direct by clicking here, walk-ups permitted if tables are free.
Only the Apron Seats within The Eagle Stand will be in use on Sunday alongside pitch side standing room.
Further matches will also be held at Goldington Road on Sunday 5th December 2021 (v Wellingborough Ladies) and on Sunday 6th March 2022 (v Shelford Ladies Nomads).
