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REPORT | Blues Women secure big win at Shelford
Bedford Blues Women strengthened their grip on the NC3 Midlands (Central) Division title as they put Shelford Ladies Nomads to the sword with a convincing 31-5 away victory.
An Emily Wallbank double as part of a five-try showing ensured a third successive league victory to put Mark Stapley’s side on the cusps of promotion with just three matches – all at home – to play this campaign.
Led by one of the most impassioned speeches ever heard from captain Mel Jones, the team embodied everything that was asked of them to ensure the result was never really in doubt at any point as they mixed trademark Bedford attacking rugby with heroism in defence.
Blues struck first after just five minutes. The scrum – which was dominant throughout the contest – again worked to beneficial effect to get the ball moving before throwing wide for Wallbank to dot down. Lucy Middleton struck three conversions over the course of the game, including this one.
Shelford came back strong but the blue wall got in the way to repel wave after wave of pressure before forcing the hosts into making an error and provide the chance to clear. The last line of defence, Emma Graham, held strong as part of the resistance putting in at-least three try saving tackles.
When Blues regathered territory, they made it count as Lauren Mason scored her first try for the team. It was a real team effort as the pack went as one to charge to the line and bundle Mason over the retreating defence.
Graham, who made history with the first try ever scored for the team, is never normally too far away from the headlines and she got her customary try to extend the lead ever further. It showed more great courage as she had only just got up from a fierce hit before providing the option out wide to dot down.
That made it 19-0 but it was Shelford who had the final say in the first-half as they became the first side to score past Bedford Blues Women in league action following patient build-up in and around the 5m line before sniping over.
Any fears that a comeback could be on after the break were allayed as Blues continued to dictate the tempo while constantly putting Shelford under pressure.
Wallbank got her second to pretty much kill off the contest following a neat charge through midfield to give the team a dream start to the second half.
Considering the team hadn’t played a competitive match for two months, this was an extremely encouraging performance full of team cohesion, organisation and identity.
Player of the Match, Heidi Lawson – who was never afraid to go looking for the ball and be the player to get Blues back up the pitch – completed the scoring with a dive for the line to cap what was an excellent individual performance from the flanker.
In the end, the perfect way for the team to kick-off 2022 as Stapley’s side put themselves in a fantastic position of needing just one more win to pretty much secure promotion. They host Letchworth at Bedford Athletic RFC on Sunday 20th February; make sure you’re there to support the team!
Bedford Blues Women Starting XV:
15. Emma Graham, 14. Ellen Walsh, 13. Tabitha Everett, 12. Emma Hunter, 11. Esme Fish, 10. Lucy Middleton, 9. Emily Wallbank; 1. Emily McBarron, 2. Alivia Harris, 3. Lauren Mason, 4. Mel Jones (C), 5. Emily Finney, 6. Kelly Ann Deane, 7. Heidi Lawson, 8. Catherine Chambers
Bedford Blues Women Replacements:
16. Jo Robey, 17. Tina Parker, 18. Estelle Anderson, 19. Angita Scapini, 20. Rhea Pearce-Roberts, 21. Gina Anstee, 22. Martina Sharp
*Matchday Photography provided by Claire Jones - RedHatPhoto.co.uk*
