News
REPORT | 10 try Blues Women defeat Wymondham
Captain Kelly Hodgson reports as Bedford Blue Women extended their lead at the top of NC1 (East) to eight points with a riveting 64-5 away success at Wymondham Wasps.
Marking 50 caps for Hunter, the team wanted to ensure a fitting scoreline and they duly delivered a dominant performance in this rearranged fixture that had previously been postponed due to bad weather.
Blues Women made their intentions clear from the outset, opening the scoring just three minutes into the match. Scrum-half Emily Wallbank crossed the line early to give Blues the perfect start and set the tone for what would become a commanding display.
Momentum continued to build when captain Kelly Hodgson added the second try after reacting quickly to take a quick tap penalty, catching the opposition defence off guard and extending Blues’ early advantage.
Bedford maintained control throughout the first half, adding two further tries before the break. Claire Cranfield crossed the line with Lucy Middleton adding the conversion, before Katherine Simpson followed with another well-worked try, again converted by Middleton, giving Blues a comfortable 26-0 lead heading into half-time.
After a disappointing second-half performance the previous week, the team were determined to maintain their intensity and commitment, and they delivered exactly that following the restart.
One of the standout moments of the second half came from Lauren Freeman, who was playing in the second row for the first time having previously featured as an outside centre. Freeman adapted brilliantly to her new role and powered over for a try, which was again converted by the reliable boot of Middleton.
Simpson continued her excellent afternoon by scoring two further tries to complete a well-deserved hat-trick, with Middleton converting both to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Bedford Blues continued to press late in the match, finishing strongly with further tries from Briony Shepherd, Cranfield and Angel Boateng. Two of the final scores were again converted by Middleton, rounding off a superb kicking performance. Seven out of ten in testing, blustery conditions.
Wymondham showed great resilience and got across the line in the last play of the game following sustained pressure at the Blues try line. A well deserved try for the hosts who offered Blues some testing play and direct running.
Overall, the match showcased a cohesive team performance, with Blues Women demonstrating excellent link play between the forwards and backs, while powerful running and quick decision-making created several standout attacking moments.
The result reflects a confident response from the squad and a performance full of energy, teamwork and attacking flair.
Blues are back in action at home next Sunday, facing Colchester Iceni. Another tough test.
