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Middleton becomes first to 50 Blues Women caps
As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, we’re shining a light on Bedford Blues Women fly-half, Lucy Middleton who will today become the first player in the team to reach 50 caps for the club.
Middleton has been an ever present in the squad since its inception in 2020, featuring in every competitive fixture along the way, and chipping in with a total of 368 points.
Winner of the 2022/23 Players’ Player of the Year Award, Middleton is a former captain of Bedford Blues Women, lifting the NC2 title in 2023/24, before relinquishing the role at the start of this season to focus on a greater balance between home life and playing duties.
Speaking about reaching the momentous milestone, Middleton said: “An extremely proud moment for me.
“I feel like we’ve come such a long way since the COVID days when we first got together as a team, and the progress we’ve made is incredible, so really proud to hit the 50-cap mark and long may it continue.
“But this isn’t an individual sport and it’s about everyone in the team who keeps me going and makes it such a special place to be. I’m just happy to still be part of the team.”
One of the first names on the team sheet, Middleton has made the fly-half jersey her own right the way since the team were formed and is an integral leader and key role model to her teammates.
Speaking at training this week, one player said of Middleton: “Lucy is always outstanding on the pitch, incredibly encouraging as a teammate and continues to drive us on. She is always there at the key moments of a match, and is a main driver behind our success as a team.”
Another added: “Lucy has been an absolute rock to the team throughout the good times and bad, and always gives 110% and never allows us to give up.”
Rewarded with East Midlands recognition in recent seasons, Middleton is hoping to be involved in a third promotion while at Goldington Road, with Blues Women currently six points clear at the top of the table with just five games to go.
On paper, the job is quite simple – win the next three games starting this afternoon and Blues Women will be playing Championship Two rugby in 2026/27. But rugby isn’t won on paper, and Middleton knows better than anyone how much the team will need to stay focused to get the job done.
She added: “Today’s game is going to be a tough fight. We’re going to need that togetherness, support each other, because Hitchin will throw everything they have at us.
“If we get through this game, we have a great chance. We’ve had moments before including last season where we thought we were on a good streak and set for second, and then things don’t go to plan and we mess things up.
“I think our cohesiveness this season, our support for each other, and our physical ability has improved so much from last year. We’re working together as forwards and backs, and putting into practise what we’re doing at training. Hopefully we can keep that going today and get the win.”
There’s still time to join the team in Hertfordshire for today’s fixture against Hitchin Ladies. Entrance is free for all spectators heading to Old Hale Way in support of their team. If you’re not heading on the road, check the social channels later today for the score updates.
