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TEAM NEWS | Blues Women travel to Hitchin on Sunday
Eddie Rennell has named his squad as Bedford Blues Women look to take another step towards the NC1 East title when they travel to face Hitchin Ladies on Sunday (Kick Off 2pm).
Still chance to follow the team to neighbouring Hertfordshire, free admission for all spectators heading to Old Hale Way in support of their team.
Just a second ever meeting against Hitchin following a 40-5 victory in the reverse fixture at Goldington Road back in November, and another humdinger expected with the home side targeting a late charge into the Top Four.
The headline news ahead of the game, which is being contested on International Women’s Day, is that influential fly-half, Lucy Middleton will become the first Blues Women player to reach 50 appearances 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, stay tuned to our social media channels on matchday for some exclusive content with Middleton talking about the prestigious achievement.
Sunday’s Starting XV shows just one personnel change to the side which valiantly bowed out of the Community Plate last weekend, with Martina Sharp replacing Emma Graham who was taken off injured early on into last weekend’s proceedings.
Sharp’s inclusion brings about a few positional changes to the back line, including Claire Cranfield moving to full back, while the forwards pack remains unchanged.
Among the replacements, there is a welcome return for dominant ball carrier, Lauren Freeman following a return from back home in Australia. Rennell is able to call upon a full contingent of replacements, meaning the maximum number of changes in the game can again be made.
Bedford Blues Women Starting XV:
15. Claire Cranfield, 14. Katharine Simpson, 13. Martina Sharp, 12. Hunter, 11. Berri Clarke, 10. Lucy Middleton, 9. Emily Wallbank; 1. Emily McBarron, 2. Elena Famiglietti, 3. Lauren Mason, 4. Elin Crabb, 5. Kelly Hodgson (C), 6. Jess Watson, 7. Laura Stephens, 8. Briony Shepherd
Bedford Blues Women Replacements:
16. Millie Rennell, 17. Steph-Sarah McPhillips, 18. Angel Boateng, 19. Megan Solomon, 20. Lauren Freeman, 21. Jemma Langton, 22. Gem Cook
