Big occasion in history of Keswick rugby looms

It will be a big occasion in the history of Keswick rugby union club on Sunday when a new women’s team is unveiled.

The Falcons are ready to take wing and tackle a Penrith team in the first contact 15-a-side women’s game in the 143-year history of the Keswick club.

Keswick RU club was formed in 1879 and the women’s section wasn’t formed until September 2020 – so clearly the pandemic has not helped them develop as quickly as they would have hoped.

However, once it was realised there was a need for a women’s section in the club, and despite the restrictions of COVID, progress has been maintained.

A leading light in the formation of the team was Liz Weightman and she says: “From the first session 18 months ago, the numbers attending training far exceeded our expectations.

“The ladies settled into two groups – a social touch rugby group, and a competitive contact group.

“For the social bunch, it’s all about having a laugh, getting away from the daily toil and making new friends. But our Keswick Falcons team have that approach but also have a desire to take on the opposition and do the best they can.

“It took us over 140 years to form a women’s section so this coming match will be a historic step for Keswick RUFC and we are so excited about it.

“We have team sponsors in Sally’s Cottages and Glaramara In Borrowdale and they will be presenting the strip ahead of the game on Sunday which kicks off at 2pm.”