Bedford Blues Women continued their drive for second place in Women’s NC1 East with an entertaining 33-31 victory over a valiant Welwyn side at Goldington Road on Sunday (9 March).
A hat-trick for Claire Cranfield – her second in as many games – helped the Blues stay third in the division, although they have two games in hand over Ipswich in second, with just a two-point deficit to make up.
Fresh off the back of a 97-5 demolition of the league’s bottom side Bletchley, the Blues were in the mood for more try-scoring, and they did just that, scoring five more to help them to victory on Sunday.
Welwyn were also in the try-scoring column five times, and picked up two bonus points in defeat in what was a thrilling affair at the home of Bedford Blues.
It was Cranfield who kicked off the yo-yo scoring with a try out wide, converted by the ever dependable Lucy Middleton, before Welwyn hit back courtesy of a pair of tries for Sophie Bates.
The Blues responded as Berri Clarke was illegally stopped on the Welwyn try line. A penalty try and a yellow card followed before Cranfield extended the Bedford lead with her second to open up a nine-point advantage.
The resulting injury to Clarke gave both sides a well-deserved breather, but it was the away team who went into the sheds with the momentum as they reduced the gap once more courtesy of Cayla du Plessis, with Emma Lloyd-Waddup converting.
Five minutes into the second half, the visitors were ahead again as they touched down for their third, but moments later, Cranfield had secured another hat trick; her seventh try in just two games.
Alivia Usher-Harris extended the Bedford lead further from close range late on and that would be enough to keep Welwyn down, despite Welwyn gaining their second losing bonus point at the last as Bates completed a hat trick of her own.
The 33-31 final score was befitting of a contest full of twists and turns and while the NC1 East title looks destined to land in Peterborough hands, a side who have a 100% record after nine league games, the fight for second place is looking to be a tasty one.
The Blues have four league games remaining, beginning with Wymondham Wasps on 23 March at Goldington Road and a return fixture against Welwyn at the end of March.
April looks to be a challenging month with the Blues travelling to current second placed, Ipswich before an away game against Champions in waiting, Peterborough on 13 April.
Only the champions are eligible from promotion from NC1 East.
Tickets for all of Bedford Blues home games can be purchased here.
