Nineteen members of Penrith’s Under-16s girls squad and six coaches headed north to play two games in Scotland.
But just as important as enjoying their rugby over the week-end they got the chance for other activities.
They included welly wanging, a tour of Stirling University, a hotel stay, a delicious restaurant meal, lots of singing, dancing and laughing followed by tour awards and a visit to the Kelpies.
The rugby featured a win against East Kilbride/Strathaven RFC on the Saturday and a close defeat on the Sunday against Stirling County in a high-quality game against one of strongest clubs in Scotland.
It was a great learning experience for the girls who all improved for the experience and showed some of their best rugby.
The girls left Penrith on Saturday morning and the first stop was East Kilbride RFC where they enjoyed a 10-a-side match which enabled everyone to get a run out, lots of tries and no injuries!
They were great hosts and everyone mixed well. The Cumbrians lost out 10-9 in the welly wanging contest, never recovering from a shaky start when captain Pippa Shay sent the first throw the wrong way onto the clubhouse roof!
It was then onto Stirling University with a tour of the University sports facilities then after some time to dress up for the restaurant meal they participated in a meeting to chat about their future careers.
After a full breakfast and team meeting on Sunday it was down the hill to Stirling County’s fine ground with the Wallace Monument overlooking. The teams were honoured to be on the main pitch for a full 15 a side match which was of a high quality and evenly contested.
After speeches and gifts were exchanged it was more welly wanging but the challenge was lost again so more practice needed before the next excursion over the border.
Next stop was a visit to the Kelpies before heading home with certificates awarded on the way home. The girls were fine ambassadors for the Penrith club and left a positive impression wherever they went.
The squad was: Forwards – Pippa Shay, Katie Smith, Chloe Brown, Maebh McGrath, Lili Thompson- Parry, Evie Lightburn, Lily Bell, Sofia Hellevik, Penny Robinson (Capt), Lily Salmon.
Backs – Charlotte Harnwell, Amber Beaty (V/Capt) , Emily Hetherington, Caitlin Padgett, Evie Holme, Lexie Hodgson, Aimee Powell-Currie, Leila Robinson, Rebecca Newby.
