Penrith continues to grow girls’ rugby at the club, laying down a clear pathway to the women’s team at Winters Park.
Any girl from the age of six can now play at Penrith RUFC and this was reflected by the turnout for the annual awards night.
Over 40 girls were awarded club medals and certificates for their contribution throughout the year by women’s captains Heather Grainger and Caron Davidon, who offered their congratulations on an excellent season.
The Under-13s had improved immensely throughout the season culminating in impressive performances at two festivals including being Plate winners at the Darlington festival.
The Under-15s had a memorable tour to Scotland playing the Scottish champions Stirling and had some excellent full 15-a-side games in the National Cup, making the Regional final at home to Sandal.
This was a splendid occasion with a large crowd and which has done a lot to promote girls rugby in the area. Subsequently a large number of girls had attended Cumbria assessment sessions and were hoping to be selected by the county.
The Under-18s have had difficulty getting the numbers to play and finding opposition but had continued to train.
Two of the team, Polly Bowman and Megan Phillips-Craig, have played for the full Cumbria Women’s team while Emma Campbell, who is away at Bishop Burton College, recently made her Scotland Under-18s debut.
Individual award winners were:
- Under-13s – most Improved player – Erin Birkett, presented by coach Elizabeth Brook.
- Coaches’ Player of the Year – Chelsea Keeley, presented by coach Steve Stamper.
- Players’ Player of the Year – Lissee Hodgson presented by coaches Paul Cleminson and Steve Stamper.
- Under-15s – most Improved player – Eimhear McGrath. presented by coach Lindsey Robinson.
- Coaches’ Player of the Year – Charlotte Harnwell, presented by coach Sean Robinson.
- Players’ Player of the Year – Penny Robinson presented by coach Joe Brown.
- Under-18s – Most Improved player – Lexie Hodgson
- Coaches’ Player of the year – Polly Bowman.
Lissee Hodgson and Penny Robinson spoke well to thank all the volunteers and especially the coaches, while the girls gave lead coach Nigel Beaty a card and gift.
He outlined the challenges for next season as the Girls move to U12/U14/U16/U18 age groups.
“Despite the healthy numbers this season more players are required and more volunteers to help grow the teams. There has been good progress in schools with both UCC and QEGS fully supportive and offering girls the opportunity to play at school. so the future looks good,” he said.
Any girls looking to try out rugby next season can contact Nigel on n.beaty@sky.com
