Bedford Blues Women pulled off a brilliant display to shock Stamford away from home on Sunday to progress to the Round of 32 stage in the RFU Junior Cup in Lincolnshire.
Despite a spirited late comeback from the home side, attempting to battle back from 17-0 down, Eddie Rennell and Peter Frost’s side showed true character to get over the line 17-10 and take another step towards Twickenham.
The ever dependable Lucy Middleton – who scored 12 of the 17 points – took the game by the scruff of the neck in the early stages and scored Bedford’s first try as the pack showed early strength at the scrum and the captain took full advantage.
Converting her own try took the score to 7-0 and with Alyce Trude doubling the score minutes later, the Blues had an early 14-point advantage which they were happy to hold at the half-time interval.
Stamford comeback not enough
An early Middleton penalty left Bedford 17-0 up in the early throws of the second period, but that was to be the final points that the Blues would post as the hosts mounted a comeback.
A superb double of tries from Liberty Ashdown, one of which was a mazy run from inside her own half, gave Stamford hopes of overturning the deficit but with both conversions missed, it still left Stamford seven points short.
They were to be the final points of the encounter, with Bedford Blues winning 17-10 and securing a spot in the hat for the next round.
That tie will take place on 26th November, with the draw to take place this week.
