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REPORT | Blues Women go top with Letchworth win
Bedford Blues Women have ascended to the top of the NC3 Midlands (Central) Division amid strange circumstances following a walkover victory at Letchworth GC Ladies.
Leading 19-0 at the break, Mark Stapley's side were informed that Letchworth didn't have enough fit players to restart for the second half and therefore forfeited the fixture, leaving Blues Women to take the walkover victory and secure their third successive win of the campaign.
In the first 30 minutes, the team were at their effervescent best when taking to the field for the first time in six weeks, back row duo Heidi Lawson and Yaz Morrison particularly the standout performers with some huge carries and heroic defensive work. Fearless in the face of contact.
Blues opened the scoring with just six minutes on the clock. In their first venture into the Letchworth 22m, Blues Women remained patient at the breakdown in and around the try line, before shifting the ball wide for history maker, Emma Graham to score her third of the season.
At one stage, Letchworth only had 11 players on the field so Blues Women decided to reduce their numbers as well to even out the contest, but it didn't stop the team from flowing as they added a dubious second after 20 minutes.
Morrison burst through the gap in the initial instance before rampaging through four tackles and getting to the line. There was a suspicion of a knock on but the try was awarded, and Lucy Middleton added the conversion.
It got better for Stapley's side shortly after as they bagged a third try. As Letchworth began to impose some sort of ascendency in the game, Esme Fish intercepted a loose pass inside the 22m to sprint the length of the field and dot down. Conversion successful.
Letchworth began to grow into the game as the half drew to a close but hit a staunch defensive wall in their efforts to get to the line and were kept at bay until the interval.
Then came the interesting incident of Letchworth unable to restart after the break leaving Blues understandably frustrated at not at least being able to finish the full game. Top of the league they go with six games remaining in the campaign.
Bedford Blues Women Starting XV:
15. Emma Graham (VC), 14. Ellen Walsh, 13. Tabitha Everett, 12. Martina Sharp, 11. Esme Fish, 10. Lucy Middleton, 9. Emily Wallbank; 1. Emily McBarron, 2. Kelly Ann Deane, 3. Lauren Mason, 4. Mel Jones (C), 5. Emily Finney, 6. Catherine Chambers, 7. Heidi Lawson, 8. Yaz Morrison
Bedford Blues Women Replacements:
16. Jo Robey, 17. Alivia Harris, 18. Rhea Pearce-Roberts, 19. Lucy Knott, 20. Estelle Anderson
*Matchday Photography by TheOtherKev*
