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MATCH FOCUS | Final Blues Women home game of 2025
Join us on Sunday for your only chance to see a Bedford Blues senior side in action this weekend as our Women’s team play host to Hitchin Ladies in their final home outing of the calendar year (Kick Off 2pm).
Big Game Preview
Sunday’s game isn’t just a final home game of 2025, or a penultimate fixture of the calendar year, but also a first ever meeting against Hitchin after both games scheduled in 2023/24 against their Second XI were unfortunately cancelled by the Hertfordshire side.
Two years is a long time in sport and Eddie Rennell’s charges have achieved a promotion since then, ascending to NC1 level, and are currently in search of another top of the table finish after a stunning start to the campaign.
Remarkably, this is Hitchin’s first away voyage of the league season after four successive home outings, winning twice and losing the same number. Both sides secured the points in their respective last outing two weeks ago and will be looking to maintain form.
Team News
For the first time in his tenure, Rennell has the luxury of naming an unchanged Starting XV from the gritty 43-5 victory over West Norfolk Warriors two weeks ago. There are a few positional swaps, including Claire Cranfield and Berri Clarke swapping wings on the slope, but a show of great continuity.
That continues among the replacements as well, with just one change on the bench as Hanah Donovan returns to the matchday squad.
So Far This Season
As highlighted above, the start to the season has been incredibly strong from a league perspective, with a maximum 20 points from those available to start Blues Women’s second season at this level.
Bedford head into the game possessing the two key statistics – most points scored as well as the least conceded. They will be expecting their toughest challenges of the season to come in the next two games, however, and will be more determined than ever to get a result.
What follows Sunday’s clash?
With Colchester and Stamford awaiting any potential slip-ups, Rennell’s charges know there’s no room for error on Sunday if they want to set-up a top of the table clash in Colchester next month.
That trip to Essex brings the curtain down for 2025 and will be one of the sternest tests so far in the club’s infant history. Taking momentum on the road will be crucial heading into that clash.
2026 will be just as exciting with six scheduled home matches, and potentially more dependant on progression in the plate, plus some tough away outings.
Season Ticket holders go free!
For the third season in succession, Bedford Blues Season Ticket holders are again entitled to free entry to all Bedford Blues Women home matches. Simply bring your card or QR code with you to the gate for admission.
Tickets are just £2.50 when bought online, a saving of 50% compared to a fiver at the gate. Head online for the cheapest rates simply by clicking here and support the team as they venture out on home soil for the first time this season.
The Scrum Bar will be the only venue open to the public to grab a pre and post-match pint with all the usual favourites on offer – food will also be available from the adjoining serving hatch!
Only the Apron Seats within The M&J Group Stand will be in use on Sunday, operated on a first come, first served basis; alongside pitch side standing room.
