Bedford Tigers Jades, formed from many of last years Jades side with the inclusion of key players this year; G AYLING and N MAHWING, moving across from last years division two winner ‘The Sapphires’ and G Hobbs who joined the Tigers side from Maulden. They have the advantage of already being gelled as a team and it showed in their displays, competing in this years Beds & District mini league, division two.

Sunday 19th October concluded the introduction league with two confident performances by our Jades girls, wrapping up a 5 win streak which keeps them moving from strength to strength.

BEDFORD TIGERS JADES VS BEDFORD TIGERS SAPPHIRES
A local derby was first on the cards on Sunday afternoon where their sister side, Sapphires were scheduled to face off against one of their own.
Not only a face off on the court but a face off off of it also, both Coach Caz and Coach Bex pitting their wits against each other.

Jades did go into this the favourites, with all the experience and the older players, a win was expected but a great opportunity to indulge in some friendly competition. Hoping the rain would hold out both team took to court and despite a really valiant effort from Sapphires, Jades proved to be that little bit too much for them, with crisp movement at times and some display of sharp passing around the court allowed for numerous opportunities under the net.
That being said, what a performance from the young Sapphires who left coach Bex very pleased with what she saw! The fundamentals were there even across the smallest of players; players being tracked and keen movement throughout the thirds, often they just needed that extra few inches in height which would have made all the difference! A PLASTOW, one of the tiniest really making an impression out there with her tenacity against a much taller opposition.

As the game marched through its quarters, even the Jade support and parents couldn’t help but cheer on the fight of Sapphires but the pairings of G AYLING and S GRANT-JONES proved too much under the net who were persistent and worked the circle until they found an opening. G HOBBS with her signature two handed overhead through was hitting her mark, capitalising against her often much smaller opposition. It was pleasing from a Jades perspective to see goals come from throughout the team but Sapphires had the odd chance as well just lacking that power as is often found as this young age, to reach the net.

A respectful game had and some healthy competition, with a demonstration of real potential across both teams. It will be exciting to see how they both develop towards the leagues come March next year.

Final Score - Bedford Tigers Jades 10 Bedford Tigers Sapphires 0

BEDFORD TIGERS JADES VS BCNC JADES
The girls second game and final game of the mini league was up against one of BCNC’s sides. A side which were a player down and turned out each quarter with just 6 on court. Despite the huge disadvantage they put up a huge fight, pushing the Tigers to the final whistle. Not always able to make most of the additional player and space found the BCNC side often forcing themselves back in the game, coming from behind but fortunately the E KELLY had her shooting eye on point today, just like her mums who plays for out adult side. Finishing with confidence she built on all round performance to award her ‘coaches player’ by Coach Caz across the two fixtures.
Goals also coming from A SAMPLA enabled a marginal win 5-3 to Tigers.

A confident display, setting up for a really exciting and interesting 2026 season for these girls. 5 wins… all the confidence.. but the pre-season training is now where the work starts. (I have no doubt, come March, the voice of the Tigers support will be in fine form once more….).

Final Score - Bedford Tigers Jades 5 BCNC Jades 3