REPORT | Blues Women battle to bonus point success

Posted: 5th October 2025
 

Full back Emma Graham reports on the side's trip to Harpenden...

Newly promoted Harpenden showed they mean business this season, putting in a determined and spirited performance that they should be proud of. Despite their efforts, Bedford Blues Women showed their strength and experience, producing a display full of skill, power and team spirit.

It was a special day for both sides as, fresh off the excitement of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, debutants took to the field. For the Blues, Elin Crabb and Lauren Freeman pulled on the jersey for the first time, adding extra excitement and energy to the occasion.

Conditions were far from easy – the wind made handling tricky and tactical kicking unpredictable. But Blues adapted well, finding momentum and turning pressure into points.

Our try scorers were Emma Graham, Claire Cranfield (x3), Emily Wallbank, Kelly O’Flaherty and a debut try for Lauren Freeman. Lucy Middleton managing the kicks well off the tee as she normally does, sliding home four conversions.

Claire’s hat-trick takes her tally to an impressive 21 tries for the club, while Emma's score moves her to 18 overall – both milestones worth celebrating. For Kelly and Lauren, their first tries in Blues colours, marked a memorable chapter in their rugby journeys.

The real battle, though, was up front. The scrum dominance was clear to see, with the forwards turning weeks of hard graft on the training pitch into a platform for success. It was a performance they can rightly celebrate.

Head Coach Eddie Rennell will no doubt be keeping spirits high after such a strong team showing. However, he’ll also be looking at the finer details – those “final screws” to tighten – as preparations begin for the next challenge.

And that next challenge is a particularly big one: Stamford return to GR on Sunday 19th October. It promises to be a fantastic day, with the Junior Girls onsite for training before the match and celebrations for the club’s Ladies Day weekend.

So, Blues Family – get the date in your diaries, bring your voices and help make it a day to remember. Buy tickets here.