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REPORT | Gritty showing in defeat to St Neots
You can never, ever doubt the determination, spirit and character of this Bedford Blues Women side and all those characteristics were again on show despite a 34-28 defeat in the battle for third place against St Neots at Goldington Road.
To go from being 34-7 down after 43 minutes to being left heartbroken and just metres short from winning the game is testament to what this team is all about as they came back from what for most would be a knockout blow, and instead re-grouped and fought right until the end.
The expressions on the St Neots players’ faces at the final whistle showed just how much of a battle the home side made it at Goldington Road. They went from a walk in the park, to panic, to relief as Blues Women came so close to a comeback.
It now means it’ll be fourth place for Darryl Veenendaal and Peter Frost’s side, but that’s a fantastic return from a debut campaign at this level. And with Peterborough gaining promotion, and the gradual progression that again continued this afternoon, then there’s no reason they can’t go for a title tilt with a few small tweaks.
What the table would look like if only the second half counted this season would be interesting to look into as slow starts have cost the side, and if they can eradicate that, the sky is again the limit for this team.
It was a tough first-half as they went in at the break 27-7 down as they struggled to cope with St Neots’ dominant set piece game, particularly the scrum which was a joy to watch all afternoon.
When they could get possession, they were back to their effervescent best and put together a lovely move to send Martina Sharp over on the right flank. The conversion was a little special as well, as Lucy Middleton – who finished with a 100% kicking record – used the crossbar to get it over.
A try at the start of the second half should have killed the game – a 27 point lead is normally unassailable yet St Neots were hanging on by the end.
Player of the Match, Natasha Taylor scored two majestic individual tries to set the potential comeback on the march and when Heidi Lawson also scored, the 331 spectators inside Goldington Road knew this was going to be a hectic finale.
If St Neots were to win, you at least felt comforted that it was a scrum that led to them kicking the ball out of play. A fantastic spectacle for Women’s rugby at the home of Bedford’s premier sporting club.
Bedford Blues Women Starting XV:
15. Natasha Taylor, 14. Tabitha Everett, 13. Martina Sharp, 12. Jemma Langton, 11. Amy Winter, 10. Lucy Middleton (C), 9. Esme Fish; 1. Gina Anstee, 2. Stephanie-Sarah McPhillips, 3. Emily McBarron, 4. Catherine Chambers, 5. Emry Bond, 6. Kelly O’Flaherty, 7. Megan Solomon, 8. Heather Cousins (Debutant)
Bedford Blues Women Replacements:
Elena Tipton, Heidi Lawson, Abi Wilkin, Kate Barber, Alyce Trude, Emily Wallbank, Emma Graham
*Matchday Photography supplied by Hazel Hawkes Photography*
