Bedford Blues Women have been crowned Team of the Year at the Bedford Sports Awards 2024 following a fantastic calendar year that included an unbeaten NC2 championship winning campaign.
Laying the foundations in the latter parts of 2023, Eddie Rennell’s side stormed through the second half of the season to lift their second league title in three years back in March – and once again did it with a 100% record.
They came mightily close to reaching Twickenham as they went on the hunt for a league and cup double, but fell agonisingly short in a nail-biting quarter final against Hucclecote Ladies.
The team continue to grow year on year, advocating for women’s sport within Bedfordshire and beyond, and have been a vitally important part of the wider #BluesFamily since inception in 2020 during the COVID pandemic.
This is the third time they have been nominated for Team of the Year within that timeframe, losing out to Bedford Ladies Tug of War team on both previous occasions.
Bedford Blues Women Captain, Lucy Middleton said:
“It’s an absolute honour to be part of this amazing team, as we try to champion sports participation and enjoyment for females across Bedfordshire and wider afield.
“Everyone involved in this team has worked so hard to get us where we are today, and we are determined to carry on improving throughout 2025 to show why we have been chosen for this prestigious award.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported us – we’ll look to continue wearing the Bedford Blues Women badge with distinction and make more memories for us all to enjoy.”
Head Coach, Eddie Rennell added:
“This is a great achievement and is a huge testament to the players and staff who have put a massive amount of work in. The team should be very proud of themselves and hopefully we can use this award to springboard us into 2025.”
Head of Women & Girls Rugby, Abi Simpson said:
“I am so immensely proud of this team, and of everyone who has been involved over the years leading to us receiving this award.
“The achievements and recent promotion follow a lot of hard work from everyone within our Blues Family, and we are excited to see what the rest of this season has ahead for us.
“To be recognised by the judging panel is a wonderful accolade, especially in the lead up to the Women’s Rugby World Cup held in England next year, shining a spotlight on the fastest growing sport for women and girls. I hope this award helps to inspire more Bedfordians to give a rugby a go.”
For more information about Bedford Blues, visit www.bedfordrugby.co.uk
