History was made at Bedford Blues’ iconic Goldington Road this afternoon, with the Women making their debut appearance in their NC3 Midlands Central opener.
In the first of what will be five games to be played at Goldington Road, the Blues remained patient before scoring a flurry of late tries in a 31-0 victory against Shelford Ladies.
The Women’s side are used to waiting for their opportunity; their creation in January 2020 scuppered by the coronavirus pandemic with this their first ever league fixture as a side.
Credit must go to Shelford Ladies who survived a first half onslaught despite being a player down; but could never trouble the Bedford 22 despite the Blues not being able to puncture a strong Shelford defence.
However, into the second half, it only took three minutes for Bedford to open the scoring; Emma Graham writing her name into the history books as Bedford Blues Women’s first ever try scorer.
Ellen Walsh scored an almost identical try on the hour mark to extend the Blues lead to 12-0, and then got a second a mere minute later after intercepting a wide pass and running 60 metres to the posts.
Heidi Lawson got in on the act into the last five minutes, with Graham scoring her second try of the afternoon as their opponents tired, giving Bedford a comfortable 31-0 opening day victory.
The Women have to wait a whole month for their next fixture in Wellingborough with further fixtures against Shelford, Wellingborough and a double header against Letchworth to come at Goldington Road this season.
