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MATCH FOCUS | Blues Women in knockout action Sunday
Join us this Sunday as knockout rugby returns to Goldington Road as Bedford Blues Women and Beckenham Ladies face each other for the first time in the Quarter Finals of the Community Plate (Gates Open 12pm; Kick Off 2pm).
Big Game Preview
Blues Women have made a strong start to 2026 with some important league and plate victories, also contesting a 12-a-side friendly against West Norfolk Warriors last weekend for more minutes on the field ahead of a stacked March schedule.
Eddie Rennell’s side have already made history by reaching the Quarter Final stage for the first time in their fledgling history, and will look to continue their adventure ever further backed by their loyal and vociferous #BluesFamily.
To do that, they will have to topple higher division opposition for the first time, with Beckenham currently flying high in Championship Two and looking to take advantage of the moment as one of the favourites for the trophy come May.
Team News
Coaches Steve Dilley and Nathan Firth make five changes from the squad which last played competitively at Stamford three weeks ago, a mixture of injury absence and unavailability.
There are two changes in the backs division and three up front. A full replacements bench ensures they can make the full set of changes permitted during the game. Therefore, expect lots of switches across the 80 minutes to keep our resident PA Announcer on his toes on Sunday.
Opposition Analysis - Beckenham
It’s certainly a tough task on Sunday against a well-established side from Southeast London, currently playing a level above Blues Women in Championship Two and looking for an immediate return to Championship One after relegation in 2024/25.
They are 13 points clear at the top of the table, albeit Battersea in third do have three games in hand, and have been part of the higher Championship structure for over a decade.
Their progression to this stage of the competition has been plain sailing in the fact they’ve had walkovers in every round to this stage, having dropped into the plate competition following a narrow defeat to Canterbury in Round One of the cup equivalent.
What follows Sunday’s clash?
Should Blues Women progress to the Semi Finals, the last four tie would be scheduled on the weekend of 12th April, sandwiched between the final two league fixtures of the campaign (29th March & 25th April).
It is, as yet, unclear who would be a potential opponent, or whether it would be home or away. Stay tuned to the social media channels for updates as they arrive, should it be a positive result this weekend.
In terms of the immediate future, Blues Women have fixtures every Sunday for the remainder of March with trips to Hitchin (8th) and Wymondham (15th) before returning home to Goldington Road against Colchester (22nd) and Wymondham (29th).
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 year.
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.
