FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. RIVALRY REIGNITED.

The stage is set for a fantastic evening of rugby at the Greene King IPA Haberden this Friday, 13 November, as Bury St Edmunds Women's 1st XV welcome local rivals Shelford for an eagerly anticipated Championship 1 North encounter.

With an 8 pm kick-off under the floodlights, the fixture marks the return of one of the region's familiar women's rugby rivalries, with the two sides meeting in league action for the first time in almost two years.

Following Shelford's promotion to Championship 1 North for the 2026/27 season, the Peacocks have rejoined Bury in the same division, setting the stage for another chapter in a rivalry that has produced some memorable encounters in recent seasons.

A RIVALRY REIGNITED

The last competitive league meeting between the two clubs took place on 5 January 2025, when Bury travelled to Shelford and emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins.

In a closely contested encounter, Bury secured a thrilling 24–23 victory, with just a single point separating the sides at the final whistle.

Earlier that season, on 22 September 2024, the two teams met at the Haberden, where Bury produced an impressive home performance to claim a 45–14 victory.

Although the sides faced one another in a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Friday's fixture will be their first league encounter since that dramatic one-point contest in January 2025.

With Shelford having earned promotion back into Championship 1 North, the local derby is once again part of the league calendar, providing another exciting fixture for players and supporters alike.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS AT THE HABERDEN

There's something special about rugby under the floodlights, and Friday's fixture promises to provide a fantastic atmosphere as the Women's 1st XV take centre stage at the Haberden.

Local derbies always bring an extra edge, with familiar opponents, local pride and valuable league points all at stake.

For Bury, the occasion offers an opportunity to build on their previous league successes against the Peacocks, while Shelford will undoubtedly be looking to make their mark following their return to Championship 1 North.

With both sides now competing at the same level once again, Friday's encounter promises to be another exciting chapter in this local rivalry.

GET BEHIND THE WOMEN!

We're calling on the whole Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club community to come down to the Haberden, bring their voices and get behind the Women's 1st XV.

Whether you're a regular supporter, a player from one of our other senior teams, part of our thriving mini and youth sections, or simply looking for some Friday night rugby, we'd love to see you there.

Let's make it a fantastic atmosphere under the lights and show our support for the women as they take on their local rivals.

MATCH DETAILS

Fixture: Bury St Edmunds Women's 1st XV v Shelford Peacocks

Competition: Women's Championship 1 North

Date: Friday 13th November 2026

Kick-off: 8:00 pm

Venue: Greene King IPA Haberden, Southgate Green, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 2BL

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. RIVALRY REIGNITED. BE THERE!