Bedford Blues Women maintained their perfect record this season with a close-fought 18-12 victory against second placed, Milton Keynes on Sunday afternoon.
In predictably damp conditions, Bedford Blues did enough to remain top of the NC2 Midlands South division and with it, kept their wonderful record of winning every game this season intact.
Milton Keynes, who Bedford beat 27-5 in the reverse fixture, are the Blues’ closest rivals in this division but Eddie Rennell and Peter Frost’s ever-improving side have now opened up a sizable gap at the top.
The Blues opened the scoring inside ten minutes thanks to a try from Sophie Singleton-Sells but there was an instant response from the home side courtesy of Maddie Couchman.
A penalty from the dependable boot of Lucy Middleton gave the Blues an 8-5 half-time lead as fluent rugby proved difficult with the Emerson Valley Sports Centre still recovering from the effects of the midweek storms.
Alivia Usher-Harris’ try early in the second half extended the Blues’ lead and from there, Bedford set about closing out the game despite a few openings for Milton Keynes to close the gap.
They couldn’t do so, and eight minutes from the final whistle, Bedford Blues secured the win with a try for Yaz Morrison and despite a late try for the hosts, they couldn’t find the all-important score to peg back Bedford who came away from Buckinghamshire with the tough win.
The journey to Twickenham continues
The 100% record sees Bedford Blues top of the league but they have also created headlines in the RFU Junior Cup, having reached the last 16 of the competition.
It means they’re three games away from the treasured land of Twickenham after a 13-0 victory against Rugby Lionesses at the end of November set up a last-16 home tie against Hucclecote Ladies from Gloucestershire.
That fixture comes on 4th February, but before then, the Blues host St Neots at Goldington Road to try and continue their 100% league record on 21st January.
Tickets for all Bedford Blues games can be bought here.
