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MATCH FOCUS | Blues Women prepare for first away trip
After a historic winning start to their debut campaign last month, Bedford Blues Women are gearing up for their first ever away fixture as they travel to face Letchworth GC Ladies on Sunday (KO 12:30pm).
After the first few weeks of league competition, Bedford Blues Women are the only undefeated side left in the NC3 Midlands (Central) Division and, following a perfect performance on debut, Mark Stapley’s side will be looking to continue their early season form in Hertfordshire.
Last Time Out
On a historic afternoon at Goldington Road last month, Bedford Blues Women enjoyed a victorious start to their league campaign with a resounding 31-0 victory over Shelford Ladies Nomads at Goldington Road.
Just under 18 months after officially launching; working through three lockdowns and the COVID-19 pandemic just to get the team off the ground, Stapley’s side finally took to the field on 10th October 2021 for the first time in competitive action.
Emma Graham scored the first of her two tries to dot down the first official points in the team’s history, while Ellen Walsh also scored twice, and Heidi Lawson completed the try scoring.
Lucy Middleton kicked two conversions, while Graham also added two points from the tee, to complete a perfect afternoon at Goldington Road backed by a joyous 400 supporters.
View From The Coach
Discussing Sunday’s fixture, Stapley said: “The whole squad is still buzzing from our debut league match and we’re really looking forward to our first away match on Sunday. We are determined to build on our initial victory, but playing away from home will be a new experience for most of the team so we know how difficult it will be.
“With two of our matches being re-arranged for later in the season and last weekend’s match being cancelled, we’ve had a longer break between fixtures than we anticipated but it’s allowed us to continue to train hard and keep working.
“The re-arrangements have also allowed us to analyse the results of other matches in the division and gives us a greater insight into the performances from other teams, which we will hope to use to our advantage on Sunday. Hopefully the #BluesFamily come out in force to cheer us on.”
Opposition Analysis
A similar set-up to our very own Bedford Junior Blues, Letchworth Garden City RFC are a very established rugby club with a thriving mini & junior section and several senior sides, creating a development pathway right the way through the club.
Letchworth GC Ladies have played two matches so far this season, suffering defeat on both occasions in a difficult start to the campaign. On opening day, the side lost at Wellingborough (39-5) before a 17-0 home defeat to Shelford Ladies Nomads two weeks ago.
Follow the team to Letchworth
The match will take place at Letchworth Garden City RFC, postcode SG6 2EN with free entry for all spectators.
If you’re not heading across the counties on Sunday, we’ve got you covered! Continue to show your pride for the team by joining in the conversation on matchday using #BluesFamily to share your messages of support.
Head to all our social media channels for the matchday build-up, including post-match interviews and the Player of the Match presentation. Our live feed during the match will come exclusively on Twitter!
