Cumbria Rugby Union’s first ever Girls’ County Cup Finals produced two enthralling matches on a glorious day bathed in sunshine in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd, writes Ben Challis.
The Girls Under-14s County Finals at at Aspatria RUFC’s Bower Park saw Egremont RUFC U14s Valkyrie up against Keswick Falcons U14s with the match refereed by young match official Nathaniel Mitten, supported by referee mentor Alasdair Boyle.
The first half of this game was a very well matched affair, but the Valkyrie went into the break 24-12 up.
Despite Keswick pulling a try back as soon as the second half started, it was Egremont who then dominated the match and ran out deserved 46-17 winners to claim the first ever Girls Under 14s county title in a great advert for girls rugby.
The Girls Under-16s County Cup Final pitted Kirkby Lonsdale Tri Counties Tigers against Keswick Falcons U16s, with young match official Archie Harding taking the whistle.
The Falcons started well and ran in three quick tries before the Tigers rallied and began to block Keswick’s fast running backs and slow down the Keswick attacks.
Keswick ran in two more tries, one a superb offload and dive over the line, before the Tri Counties girls finally got themselves on the scoresheet, with some very good play and with the Tigers powering over the try line on the left wing.
An improving Tri Counties were now better organised, and slowed down Keswick’s relentless advances, but the pace of the Falcons made the difference and Keswick eventually ran out 59-5 winners with the RFU’s Liam Nicholls presenting the trophy to a delighted Keswick team.
