Bedford Blues Women completed their final home match of the year in style, delivering a commanding 40-5 victory over Hitchin Ladies on Sunday (23 November).
With a season record high attendance of 327 watching on at Goldington Road, the NC1 East league leaders produced another polished performance to maintain their place at the top of the table over their next opponents, Colchester Iceni.
The win also continues an impressive run of form for Eddie Rennell’s side, who have now won four of their last five matches; their only blip coming in the Community Cup against a strong Buckingham Swans outfit.
Despite Bedford’s excellent form in recent weeks, the visitors struck first.
Hitchin’s Lucy Kennedy powered over in the 12th minute, giving the away side an early 5-0 lead. But Bedford’s response was calm and composed.
The Blues’ first breakthrough came in the 25th minute, when Lauren Mason timed her run perfectly and crashed over the line, levelling the scores.
Fly half. Lucy Middleton slotted the conversion to allow Bedford to take the lead to 7-5.
Their momentum grew quickly, and just minutes later Hunter finished off a well structured attack to extend the lead. Middleton remained flawless with another conversion, pushing the advantage to 14-5.
Bedford’s third try arrived in the 36th minute through winger Claire Cranfield, who delivered a confident finish to add to the Blues’ advantage. Another Middleton conversion sent the Blues into half-time with a comfortable 21-5 lead.
Blues dominate second half to extend their lead
The second half saw the Blues continue to dominate.
Five minutes after the restart, Briony Shepherd delivered the bonus point try with a strong finish. With Middleton again adding the extras, Bedford moved to 28-5 with fresh legs off the bench keeping the tempo high.
Middleton took centre stage again, cutting through the defence in the 51st minute to score, before converting her own try to extend the lead to 35-5.
Hitchin pushed to respond, but the Blues’ defence remained firm.
The final try of the afternoon came from full back, Emma Graham in the 79th minute to complete Bedford’s scoring. Middleton’s final kick went narrowly wide, leaving the final score at 40-5.
With another five league points secured, Bedford Blues Women close out their home calendar in commanding form and now turn their focus to their final match of 2025 away at Colchester Iceni.
