An exciting couple of games were needed this week following a disappointing postponement of last weeks fixtures owing to Storm Amy making a wet and windy Bedford Academy.

The dampener was saddening to all and was written all over the girls faces, showing just how much our years 7-8 girls are enjoying the game at the moment…. The faces on the parents were just as glum!

Sunday 5th October 2025, we had some sunshine on the courts and the prospect of facing off against two Maulden teams in division 4 side, Maulden Tigers and Division 3 Side ‘The Lions’.

Still in the very early stages of the pre-season mini league, the focus for both teams is very much developing themselves as a team and finding themselves in their new roles, testing positions and most of all having fun…. Together.

A dis-jointed Friday night training session saw play hindered from road closures and a rare indoor session owing to predicted weather forecasts as a result of the Storm. That being said the girls were focusing on key skills in and around the ‘attacking circle’ and defensive interceptions and marking. This did not come at no cost with The Roses taking a hit, in the loss of one of their defenders, A GOODCHILD after a nasty ankle roll on court. Roses were also without E GEE who was not available for selection this week.

BEDFORD TIGERS ROSES VS MAULDEN TIGERS
Court 6 saw a hard fought match between the two Tigers teams and an even greater challenge for the coach not to use the term ‘tigers’ to cheer on our own!
The first quarter led the girls into a false sense of security, taken an early lead with 5 clear goals and no response from Maulden; both shooters, J DHILLON and L HABERSON finding their range early with neat passing at times coming from an evermore confident D GREEN.

A tightly fought battle by our Captain O PYECROFT with their tall GA which had spice right from the starting whistle found a tactical change for MAULDEN moving the rangey Tiger into a GS positions and away from the stubborn defense of PYECROFT.
The second quarter saw much of the same with the slicker movement and consistency coming from our Roses but marginally losing the quarter, now sitting at 6-2.

The second half of the competition saw not only a push from Maulden but evidence of tired legs out on the court with still a need to focus on our fitness and still getting use to the 10 minute quarters now in place. Maulden manage to pull it back to within 3 by the end of the third at just 7-4. Maulden were finding their way through more often and penalties and obstruction were creeping in from our Bedford side.
Its safe to say we were hanging on but doing so demonstrating what a bond these Roses girls have already developed, fighting for each other and not giving up until the very last whistle with the likes of E AYLING covering so much ground across the court.
It’s safe to say we were willing the final whistle to come as Maulden pull the game to with just 1….. Fortunately it did!

FULL TIME - BEDFORD TIGERS ROSES 8 MAULDEN TIGERS 7
OPPOSITION PLAYER - E AYLING
COACHES PLAYER - O PYECROFT for her consistent physicality and battling defensive qualities against a difficult opponent.

2 wins from 2 in division for is great for confidence but more difficult challenges await, its lucky that this team has only just started and they are only getting better.

BEDFORD TIGERS SAFFRONS VS MAULDEN LIONS

The Saffrons had a full compliment of players going into their second game of their mini-league in division 3 but they had quite the challenge on their hands from a well organised and established Maulden team.
A cameo appearance was well received from our assistant Jez onto Court 2 after the girls nagging him into it after his investment in the girls training recently. Thanks Jez!

The game started ‘end to end’ with Saffrons taking the early lead after L MORRIS netted a rebound off of a HIGGENS shot. All to play for after the first quarter with Maulden just nicking it 2-1 with both goals from their fiery haired shooter.

The game continued in a similar fashion with little between the two sides on court and certainly enough chances from our Saffrons girls to take the lead. Credit to their red head GS for Maulden who was just not missing once under the post despite some sterling defence from our newest Saffron J IZEDONWEN.
A never give up attitude was evident throughout and a well fought play in the middle for R DEVONSHIRE to finish following an aggressive snatch from D LYNCH was testament to this.
Finishing was ultimately Tigers shortfall this week, they managed to bring it within just 3 before going into the final quarter; 7-4.
The end result, Maulden stretching the lead to 5 with Saffrons taking the opportunity to try new positions for players which is what this mini league is all about.

The team pushed themselves right to the final whistle and there were passages of play which moved nicely throughout every third, lots of potential to build on and really encouraging to see none of our girls head drop at any time. Get Spirit!

FINAL SCORE - BEDFORD TIGERS SAFFRONS 5 MAULDEN LIONS 10
OPPOSITIONS PLAYER - J IZEDONWEN
COACHES PLAYER - L MARTIN for her determination throughout the game and her spirited battle in the centre of the court, a physical game and competitive against her opposite number. Great attitude!

Spoils were shared between Bedford and Maulden on this occasion but as a team we are just beginning out journey and our Year 7-8 collective have a great future ahead as we continue to build.