Rochford Rugby Girls

Former Girls Capt gets England U20 Call up.

2009-12-17T09:07:00.004Z

News reaches us this week that Natalie McClarnon who was captain of the U18's until she moved into Seniors Rugby at Saracens has been called up into the England U20 Squad for the forth coming games against Wales and France.

Natalie has retained her ties with the club (Father Tony is Head Coach for the girls section) since moving up and regularly comes along to watch the girls when she hasnt got a game.

Congratulations are extended to Natalie from all her friends at the club.

v ACT Jaguars 13th Dec 09

2009-12-17T08:37:00.009Z

Sunday 13th Dec 09 v ACT Jaguars

2009-12-14T11:49:00.001Z

Now that the County programme is behind us, the girls set about their league fixtures with a home game again ACT Jaguars, (Aylesford Bulls)
With the Rochford boys having played earlier, there was quite a crowd of players and parents who stayed to watch the girls and they were not to be disappointed.

U15’s
Rochford U15's won a hard fought contest with Aylesford Bulls on Sunday 19 - 7 Facing a side of Kent players who had previously beaten our girls, the game started with Aylesford having the territorial advantage for much of the first half. Some solid defending form Maddie and skipper Olivia and try saving tackles by Abbie G and Abbie C kept the score line even. As the half progressed the forwards began to come into their own and started to get more possession, but unfortunately poor handling often led to attacks breaking down before any great pressure was put on the Aylesford line. The half ended even with neither side being able to score. Rochford upped their game in the second half as the forwards started to compete more aggressively and win a lot more ball and drive the Kent side back. Ball was being set up and released to the backs where Olivia, Jess, Bianca, Maddie and Abbie G had attacking runs finished by desperate Bulls defending. Although the lineout was not working well the scrum was working well and good ball was being won on a regular basis. Eventually the passing of the ball found Abbie G in space and the speedster raced around the defence to score uner the posts with Maddie adding the conversion to give a deserved lead. The lead was soon increased as Rochford chased and harried a kick ahead from Maddie and from the resulting ruck near the Aylesford line Faye gathered the ball and squirmed over near the posts to give Maddie another conversion chance which she took. This seemed to awake Aylesford to greater urgency and from the kick off pounced on a loose ball, after a hesitation in the Rochford defence, and managed to drive forward and score near the posts to give a conversion chance which they took to make the score 14 - 7. Aylesford continued to press but were penalised for various infringements on a regular basis. Rochford took advantage of this and continued to counter attack with runs from the backs. One in particular by Abbie C almost paid off but she was unable to force her way through with 4 defenders just holding her. Time was ticking away and in the last play of the game the ball was passed out to Abbie G who managed to outpace the cover defence to score in the corner and so end the game with a well deserved 19 - 7 victory.

U18’s
Having been reduced to the bare minimum 15 prior to kick off with the withdrawal of 3 players the Rochford girls faced a tough encounter against one of the leagues strongest teams. With both sides fielding county and regional players it promised to be a lively game.
From the kick off the Rochford girls took the game to ACT and were rewarded within the first 3 minutes with a try by India following some great handling and off loading by Lucie and Ellie in the centres.5-0. From the restart the girls quickly pushed forward into the ACT 10, and were again rewarded with a superbly taken try from India. 10-0. With the bit between their teeth the girls carried on pushing forward looking for more points to widen the gap between the teams. With Sam Smith commanding as ever in the front row the forwards were driving over and allowing Jen to play quick ball out to the backs. Within 10 minutes the girls had made the breakthrough they were after as Tash was fed out on the wing to run in try no 3 under the posts. 15-0
ACT slowly started to force their way back into the game and their forwards started to take control allowing their backs plenty of ball to run at the Rochford line. Solid defending by the girls with the backs in Tash, India and Ellie making some important tackles kept ACT at bay until just on half time when they broke through to make it 15-5.
The second half started with ACT pushing to try and narrow the score and with the Rochford girls infringing at the break down the referee seemed the busiest person on the pitch.
The Rochford forwards soon started to get a hold back on the game and some nice runs from Ellen gained valuable yards. With Sam and Amy making big hits from the front row, the girls were dominating the scrums and all but one of the line outs were won by Meg following some excellent lifting from Cat and Jemma.
Having lost one of their front row to an injury, ACT requested that the game went to uncontested scrums which took the slight advantage away from the Rochford Girls, however with Jen sniping around the scrum the pressure was kept on ACT and was duly rewarded with a 4th try by Ellie which was duly converted by India. 22-5.
The game had to be halted with 10 mins to go to allow the Air Ambulance to land on the adjacent pitch due to an injury to an ACT u15.
Hopes for a speedy recovery are sent from all at Rochford.

The win gives the girls a big boost ready for the upcoming game on the 20th against Saracens.

Team: Sam, Amy, Jemma, Cat, Becky, Bron, Megan, Ellen, Jen (Capt), Yaz, India, Lucie, Ellie, Tash, Becky F.

Well done girls a great result that lifts you back up the league.

2009/2010 Easter Tour

2009-11-27T10:50:00.002Z

Yes ladies its that time again. Preparations for this seasons tour are underway and as usual we will be away from the 2/4/10 until 5/4/10. (Good Friday to Easter Monday).
This Years Theme is "Shaun of the Dead"
As usual fancy dress is compulsary and all tourists are to come as Zombies

We have booked to stay in the YHA at Whitby (next to the Abbey) and will be playing a local Yorkshire team (location to be confirmed but looking like Scarborough) on the Saturday and if all goes to plan a game on the sunday with a team from the North East.

Most people have paid their deposits but if you haven't can you see Paula asap.

Further details of must have accessories will be notified in due course.

Tour this year will be led by Bob (Ozzie Ozborne) Lockwood You have been warned!!!!

Cancellation

2009-11-27T10:44:00.001Z

With both U15's and U18's having their fixtures cancelled on the 15th Nov and County Matches taking place the next game is on 29th Nov 09.
The U15's have a change to their fixtures as H3 cannot fulfill their league commitment that week, so the U15's will play a friendly against Hertford.
With no league game scheduled for the U18's there will be a full training session at the club from 10.30am in preperation for the County Fixture in Berkshire on the 6th Dec.

U18's v Beckenham Sunday 1st Nov

2009-11-06T08:29:00.003Z

Sunday 1st Nov

2009-11-02T09:11:00.006Z

Rochford U 15 Girls v Beckenham U 15 Girls

Rochford ran out comfortable winners against an inexperienced Beckenham side who were depleted through illness. Playing with the wind in their favour Rochford attacked from the kick off and dominated the territory in the early stages. An infringement gave Beckenham a scrum, but young hooker Faye Smale won the ball against the head and the ball was passed out to Bianca Bosdet who sprinted away for the opening score. Rochford continued to attack keeping the ball tight amongst the forwards and making ground with some good drives and mauls. Beckenham were penalised fro pulling down one of these mauls and from the quick tap penalty the ball was passed to Abbie Cook who outpaced the defence and score under the posts. Maddie Lockwood converted to make the score 12 – 0.

Rochford continued to dominate possession and more surging forward play before releasing the ball to Abbie Graham to sprint away and score under the posts. This passage of play was duplicated several minutes later and again the ball was passed among the backs before Abbie Graham added her second try under the posts. Maddie Lockwood converting both tries to make the score 26 – 0. Beckenham then came more into the game and started to pressure the Rochford line, but they could not make this count and after a mistake the ball was turned over and Bianca Bodset raced away to score another try. This spurred Rochford to greater efforts and they spent a long time camped in the Beckenham 22 and after some sustained pressure won a penalty. From the quick tap Maddie Lockwood used her size and strength to power over the line and she converted her own try to make the score 38 – 0 at half time.

The second half started scrappily and Rochford rested their more experienced players to give valuable game time to their new players. Rochford were not quite so dominant, but after several phases of play, with the ball being recycled well, hooker Faye Smale broke away to score, Maddie Lockwood again adding the conversion.

Faye Smale was having a fine game and from another scrum she won the ball against the head and the ball was fed along the line for Bianca Bodset to sprint away to score her third try of the game and Maddie Lockwood converted to add the extra 2 points.
Rather than dropping their heads this spurred Beckenham into more positive action and they started to dominate play and possession again and camped themselves in the Rochford 22, but they could not penetrate the stout Rochford defence and possession was turned over and Abbie Graham sprinted the length of the field to score her third try, with Maddie Lockwood adding the conversion. Play was then played mainly in the middle of the pitch for a while with neither side getting the upper hand until Maddie Lockwood pounced on a loose ball and powered her way to the line and then converting her own try. Plucky Beckenham then had another spell of territorial advantage forcing Rochford back to their own line, but as happened earlier a move broke down and the ball turned over and after a few quick passes Bianca Bodset raced away to score the in the final move of the game, leaving Rochford comfortable winners by 69 – 0.

Rochford U 18 Girls v Beckenham U 18 Girls

As with the U15’s, the U18’s ran out comfortable winners against an inexperienced and depleted Beckenham side. Playing against the wind in the first half, the Rochford forwards took the game to Beckenham from the off.
Collecting the ball from the start, Meg took the ball into contact and from the resulting ruck, the ball was quickly fed by Jen across the backs to Tash who streaked away down the wing to put the girls 5-0 up with Lucie duly converting the kick
7-0.
From the restart the forwards led by Sam again piled pressure on the Beckenham pack and with Jen and Yaz playing quick ball from the back off the rucks the backs were given licence to run at the Beckenham line.
With 15 minutes gone, the Rochford girls had stormed into a commanding lead with further tries from Ellie, Jen and a 2nd from Tash to go 22-0 up.
The Beckenham girls never gave up trying to get the ball out to their wings to run at the Rochford defence but some excellent defensive work by Ellie and Lucie stopped them in their tracks.
As the half wore on the continual pressure from the forwards with Cat and Jemma driving through the Beckenham lines soon paid of with further tries by Tash (3rd) and Jen (2nd) to go in at half time 32-0 up.
Turning round to play with the wind at their backs the girls were soon back to putting pressure on the Beckenham line and were quickly rewarded with a try from Yaz after a jinking run through the centre 37-0.
Even though victory was assured, the girls relentless drive for more points soon paid of when Ellen was released to run in her first try for the team 42-0.
Further tries late in the half by Lucie, Jen (3rd) A second for Ellie and Yaz put the girls 62-0 up with only minutes to go.
Not wanting to be outdone by the backs, the forwards were desperate to get in on the act and with a couple of minutes remaining Tash having made a break on the wing, fed the ball inside to Meg who shook off the tackle to run in the final try of the day to make the final score Rochford 67 Beckenham 0

Scorers: Tries Tash(3),Jen(3),Ellie(2), Yaz (2), Ellen, Meg, Lucie
Conv Lucie

Team: Jemma, Sam, Frances, Cat, Meg, Ellen,Tash, Jen, Yaz, Lucie, Ellie,
Amy, Bron, Becky

Well done girls 2 great team efforts.

Thanks to Pete Cook for Match report.
Photos to follow.

Rochford Fixtures 2009/10

2009-10-20T15:20:00.009+01:00

U18's in Bold

30/08/2009
06/09/2009 Senior COUNTY Trials
13/09/2009
20/09/2009
27/09/2009 COUNTY Trials
04/10/2009 Thanet (A) Folkstone/H3 (A)
11/10/2009 Worthing (A) Worthing (A)
18/10/2009 COUNTY Match Eastern Counties (A)
25/10/2009 Aylesford (A) Aylesford Cluster/SSB (A)
01/11/2009 Beckenham (H) Beckenham (H)
08/11/2009 COUNTY Match Triangular Eastern Counties / Kent
15/11/2009 Suffolk Sabres Lakenham Hewett (A)
22/11/2009 COUNTY Match
29/11/2009 H3 (H) TBA
06/12/2009 COUNTY Match
13/12/2009 Aylesford (H) Aylesford Cluster (H)
20/12/2009 Saracens (A) Saracens (A)
27/12/2009 CHRISTMAS
03/01/2010 Lakenham Hewett (H) Lakenham Hewett (H)
10/01/2010 SSB (A) H3 (A)
17/01/2010 REGIONAL TRIALS
24/01/2010 Thanet (H) Folkestone (H)
31/01/2010 National Cup
07/02/2010 REGIONAL TRAINING
14/02/2010 REGIONAL TRAINING
21/02/2010 REGIONAL MATCH
28/02/2010 H3 Cluster (H) SSB (H)
07/03/2010 REGIONAL TRAINING
14/03/2010 National Cup
21/03/2010 REGIONAL MATCH
27/03/2010 REGIONAL TRAINING
28/03/2010 Beckenham (A) Beckenham (A)
04/04/2010 Club Tour Weekend
11/04/2010 REGIONAL TOURNAMENT
18/04/2010 Worthing (H) Worthing (H)
25/04/2010 H3 (A) TBA
02/05/2010 Worthing 10s Worthing 10s
09/05/2010
16/05/2010
23/05/2010
29/05/2010 NATIONAL 7'S TBC

Please note these fixtures are subject to change. Please check with Team Managers for confirmation of fixtures.

Worthing v Rochford U15's

2009-10-20T10:18:00.007+01:00

Pictures from Worthing v Rochford U18's

2009-10-16T10:27:00.008+01:00

Week 2

2009-10-12T12:44:00.002+01:00

Sunday 11th Oct
Yesterday saw both the U15’s and the U18’s travel to Worthing for the second round of the league fixtures.
After a hot and long coach journey (largely in part to the driver being unable to tell hot from cold on the a/c system, and knowing better than his sat nav how to get to Worthing rugby club by miraculously avoiding all roads that were free from traffic), the girls arrived fit and rareing to go.

U15’s
Rochford got off to the best possible start when captain Olivia Stembridge collected the kick off and managed to outpace the Worthing defence to score in the opening minute. Rochford maintained pressure on the Worthing defence and worked the ball wide to Abbie Graham to sprint away for another try after 10 minutes. Good work from the forwards kept Worthing on the back foot and quick ball down the line saw debutant Charlotte Gower denied a first try by a last dicth tackle, but Jessica Charles followed up on the loose ball to score again for Rochford.There was then a sustained piece of pressue by the Worthing pack that penned Rochford back on their goal line, but after several 5 metre scrums the Rochford defence held and they gradually worked the ball upfield before Abbie Cook streaked away to score and make it

20 - 0 at half time. After the break Rochford continued to maintain pressure on the Worthing defence and the pace of the back line was too much for Worthing to handle as Abbie Graham finished off good handling moves with 2 more tries. As the half wore on the Rochford forwards started to get the upper hand and repeated drives to the Worthing line resulted in tries from Faye Smace and Maddie Lockwood. Rochford continued to attack a now dispirited Worthing side and Abbie Graham scored her 4th try in the last minute of the game to give Rochford a 50 - 0 victory.

U18’s
As with the U15’s the girls got off to a great start when after 2 minutes Ellie collected a great pass from Yaz and broke the Worthing defence to crash over 5-0. With the home side being put on the back foot by some excellent play by the forwards Jen collected the ball from the back of a ruck and drove through to make it 10-0. Quick tries followed from Hannah and stumpy before the break. Having lost Frances to an arm injury, a reshuffle of the pack saw Amy come in for her first start at Hooker with Stumpy moving to prop.
The forwards were continually hitting the Worthing defence and with Jen getting quick ball to Yaz to set the backs off, further tries from Stumpy, Lucie and Tash quickly followed. With Lucie converting one of her kicks the girls finished winners 37-0.
All credit to a great Worthing side who despite not being able to mount one serious challenge on the Rochford line never gave up, and their defence at times stopped the score being even greater.

Team: Jemma, Amy, Stumpy, Cat, Daisy, Ellen, Becki, Meg, Jen, Yaz, Ellie, Lucie, Tash, Hannah, Emma and frances.

Again well done to both teams for a great performance .

Following the Game, Worthing nominated Stephanie from the U15’s as their player of the match and from the U18’s they gave the award to Jen. (Well done girls)

Reports courtesy of Peter Cook and Phil Robson

Photos to follow

Sunday 4th October 09

2009-10-07T13:56:00.011+01:00

Meg & Ellen

Jen & Tash

Jemma,Cat,Ellen, Becky & Meg

Nearly There !!!

Nice Hands Lucie

Jemma (3) Becky (15) Meg (4) Mouse (13)
oh and Stumpy lying down

"Off the back of the scrum from Jen"

Tash (6) about to set of on another jinking run!!!

Great lifting from Cat & Frances as Meg steals the ball

Well here it is the start of another long season.
Both U15’s and U18’s started the defence of the league titles they won last year. The U15’s travelled to play Thanet and the U18’s travelled to Folkestone to play a triangular with Folkestone and H3
Both sides have changed considerably from those of last year, with many new girls joining both teams and with instructions to play to enjoy from the coaches. Last seasons intensity to win win, has been replaced with a more relaxed coaching ethos of enjoy and the results will come !

U15’s
The U15’s opened their 2009/2010 campaign on the sunny Kent coast town of Broadstairs, against Thanet RFC.

A number of players were missing due to injury and other commitments so the majority of the team were either playing their first competitive match or had this year moved up from the mini section.

From the kick off Rochford showed their intention with a demonstration of good support play and great handling skills which resulted in a quick try in the corner by Amber Charlemange. This remained the theme throughout the first half with Rochford simply using their pace out wide, with good scrummaging and mauling work by the forwards to create the platform for the backs to exploit their superiority. The Thanet girls refused to give up and showed dogged determination in their defence whilst continually taking every opportunity to attack the Rochford line. The second half was an extension of the first with Rochford taking their chances, using the wide pitch to provide their wingers the space needed to get past their opponents defence.

Further tries by Abigail Graham (6 in total), Olivia Stembridge, Jessica Charles, Stephanie Smith, Claire Yearwood and Maddie Lockwood ended the game with a final score of Rochford 73 – Thanet 0. Maddie successfully converting 4 of the tries scored.

U18’s
Game 1 saw the home side take to the pitch against Rochford, some early pressure from the forwards saw the 1st 10 minutes being played inside the Folkestone 10 metre line. This sustained pressure was eventually rewarded when Sam went over to open the scoring.Folkestone then started to come back into the game and quickly responded with 2 tries to go in at half time 10-5 up. The second half started as the 1st with Rochford applying pressure on the Folkestone back line. Again the pressure was rewarded when Lucie went over to level the scores. With only minutes left, a surge through the centre from Folkestone was rewarded with a try under the post which was duly converted to give the game 17-10 to Folkestone.
Having watched the 2nd game which was Folkestone against H3 we knew that we were in for a physical game in our final match.
The game against H3 started pretty much as the 1st game with our forwards continually applying pressure to their back line.
After 5mins Jen broke through to crash over to make it 5-0. Shortly after the try H3 asked the ref to go uncontested in the scrums which took our advantage away. With a new and inexperienced back line our girls soon paid the price with their wingers running in 4 tries to make it 20-5. The2nd half again started with our girls applying pressure and trying to get the ball out to the wings. Following a couple of dangerous tackles which went totally unpunished by the match official we lost two of our backs in Hannah and Sophie who are now both doubtful for the trip to Worthing next week. Despite the total inaction by the official who always claimed to be the only person in the ground not to have seen the two tackles that forced the girls off, our girls refused to rise to the bait and tried to play rugby as it should be played.Further tries from H3 made the final score 31-5.
Despite the results the girls played as if they were enjoying the game and came off with smiles on their faces.
With 5 girls in the starting line up who had only ever played tag at school, the whole team performed exceptionally well and the coaching and management staff are proud of each and every one of them.
Team; Sam, Jemma, Frances, Cat, Amy, Ellen, Meg, Lucie, Jen, Yaz, Tash, Hannah, Daisy, Sophie, Becky, Emma, Jade and Lucy

Well done girls you were brilliant

Match reports Courtesy of J Stembridge & P Robson , Pictures Courtesy of Will Tysterman

Welcome to the new look Blog for Rochford Girls.

2009-09-23T14:19:00.002+01:00

At the end of last season with many players and one of the coaching staff leaving the club the decision was made to disband the unofficial cluster between Basildon & Rochford girls teams (Basford).
As all but 3 of the remaining girls were all members of Rochford, it was decided to play under the banner of Rochford Rugby club and to wear Rochford colours from the start of the season.
The decision to move across to Rochford was accepted by Basildon who passed on their best wishes to the girls for the coming season.
With the departure of last seasons U 18 coach, a new coaching team of Tony McClarnon and Ian McCready will take the U18’s into the new season.
The U15’s will again be coached by Jeff Stembridge and Peter Turner.

Last season was successful for both sides with the Kent and Sussex league title going to both age groups.

With both teams again being entered into the league this season, there will be plenty of rugby being played by the girls this year.

We also have a new sponsor this season, and would like to say a big thanks to S&J Electrics for their support over the last two seasons.

Presentation Night

2009-06-16T21:13:00.010+01:00

Player Presentations

2009-06-16T20:59:00.002+01:00

Basford Girls End of Season Presentation

2009-06-16T19:59:00.002+01:00

Last friday saw the annual Basford girls Dinner Dance held at the Oysterfleet in Canvey.
Guest of Honour this year was Steve Cleare who is the incoming Youth Chair at Rochford RFC.
Following the dinner the presentations took place with Steve presenting trophies and medals to the players.

Awards

U18 Player of the Year Rachel French
U18 Most Improved player Jemma Sommers

U15 Player of the Year Yasmin Pemberton
U15 Most Improved player Bronwyn Hughes

U18's Kent & Sussex League Winners
U15's Kent & Sussex League winners

Outgoing Captains awards
U18's Sarah MCB
U15's Olivia Stembridge.

There was also a special presentation to Sarah MCB of a rugby picture frame complete with photographic memories of Sarah's time with the team over the last 3 yrs and an engraved Tankard.
Sarah is leaving the team at the end of this season to head off to University in Scotland, but is also retiring from the game due to the horrific injury she sustained to her ankle during a game back in November 2007. Her immediate reaction was that she would be back within 10 months and that steely determination and resolute approach to the injury has seen her refusing to give in. Many of us have witnessed the pain and discomfort she has endured whilst the strapping has been applied before every training session or game, simply to allow her to participate for however long. Many have wished that her recovery had been swift and successful but after an extremely difficult and emotional year the final prognosis to the extent of the injury has meant that she will no longer be able to take part in the game.
But her unflappable determination to complete will simply not die and she has again reassessed her options which will take root in either Kayaking or rowing whilst she is at University, which we know she will be a success.

All of her friends at Basford wish her good luck for the future and will remember her as one of the finest club captains we have had.

Also leaving the club are Rachel French, Fi Jordan, Frank Jordan, Sam Sewering and Siobhan Franklin who are off to University or in the twins case to take to the skies in the RAF.
Good luck to all the girls.

Presentations were also made to the coaches from the girls for their help this season.
Bouquets were also presented to Paula and Tina for their hard work this season both as Team Manager but also for all the various organising of tours etc. A bouquet was also presented to Jan for the behind the scenes work this season and with the the Dinner Dance.

Well thats the end of a long, at times difficult but ultimately rewarding season for all the girls.
Well done to all and heres to a successful 2009/10 season.

End of Season Dinner/Disco

2009-06-03T13:47:00.002+01:00

Friday 12th June 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm
Lakeside Banqueting Suite, The Oysterfleet Hotel, Knightswick Road, Canvey SS8 7UX
Telephone 01268 510111

Dress Code Formal or Smart

Any questions please call me.

Herts 7's

2009-05-19T12:55:00.004+01:00

Shira Maddie, Lucie, Ellie,Charlie, Olivia, Hannah, Abbie

In response to the Hertford rugby clubs manager's request for girls to make up a squad of 12 players, 5 of our girls, Olivia, Maddie, Hannah, Lucie and Abi Graham, arrived at the Herts 7’s tournament simply hoping for some game time. With only 3 of the Hertford players turning up the girls quickly realised that they in fact had to play in every game, for the full period, with a limited replacement capability.
The first pool match of the competition was against Saracens, who had also been on recruitment drive from teams throughout Middlesex. The first few minutes were keenly contested, with very little being gained by both sides. The opening try scored by Abi, after some very good handling work, was quickly extended with tries by Shira, Olivia, Lucie and Hannah.
The second game against Wasps was a very one sided affair and strong running by Charlie Faloona (Hertford) resulted in her scoring 3 tries, with the others coming from Olivia, Hannah, Lucie, Shira and Maddie.
Paviors, the strongest opponents, was the next match in the pool. Paviors gained the upper hand, by scoring 2 tries in the first half. The 2nd half started badly with Paviors scoring within the first minute but the change at half time saw a more determined and aggressive approach. Olivia got the first try, running virtually the whole length of the pitch to score. From the restart Olivia scored again and from then on the Paviors line was continually under attack. Two ignored penalties would have allowed the girls to equal the score but this was not to be and the game ended 17-10 to Paviors.
Oakmedians were the final pool game and the frustrations of the last match were released as the girls went on as clear winners by over 40 points.
The Plate semi Final was against Plymouth, whose average height per player was near to 6 feet. A dogged determination from the start resulted in early tries and the team went on to win very convincingly, with tries by Olivia, Hannah, Lucie, Shira and Charlie.
The girls looked very tired and dejected before the final against Burfield. With very little chance of a rest and the cold, wet weather taking its toll they had to focus on the game. Burfield took their chance and scored the opening try but this simply made the girls ever more stubborn, refusing to hand over the trophy. The next phase of play saw the Hertford girls equalise and then with even more single mindedness they pulled away, being clear winners by the end. Final score 45-7 to Herts.
It was a great day with the girls playing the best rugby displayed all season, at every level. Coaches and players from many other teams made a concerted effort to watch our girls play, openly applauding and cheering on our girls for their rugby skills.

report courtesy of Jeff Stembridge

End of season

2009-05-15T15:57:00.002+01:00

Its finally arrived, the long awaited summer break.
keep an eye on your emails as Tony, Ian, Jeff and Pete are busy arranging summer training.

Its been a good season (despite what some people think) and that is down to you girls and the performances you put in this year.

We are losing people now the season has ended so we would like to recognise them here and wish them well for the future.

U18 Captain Sarah MCB is heading north of the border to try and get an education.
Frenchie is off to harrass all the sailors in Portsmouth (says she is really going to Uni)
Fi and Frank are off to the Top Gun movie set to get their wings
Siobhan and Sam are also heading off to Uni

good luck to all the girls.

Also thanks to the backroom people who have worked their butts off to make the season as successful as it has been.

With a new look squad, new look coaching staff and a potential new sponsor next season promises to be as exciting as ever.

The blog will also undergo changes over the summer with a new header and background.
Plus if you have anyideas for inclusion, email them in.

Thanks again to all for a great 2008/9 season.

Basford U18's @ Worthing

2009-05-10T18:25:00.005+01:00

Paula, Frenchie, Siobhan,Alice,Ellie,Frances,Sam, Phil,Tony

Mouse,Megan,Tash,Jemma,Stumpy

MCB,Jen

A few Worthing Pics

2009-05-10T18:19:00.002+01:00

A few more Pics

2009-05-10T18:17:00.002+01:00

Worthing 10's

2009-05-10T17:50:00.004+01:00

Last weekend saw both squads(minus a couple of players) head of down to sunny Worthing.
The under 18's &u15's both had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend both on and off the rugby pitch.
The U15's lost in the semi final of the cup competition to Welwyn. (well done to Peter, Greg and all the girls at Welwyn). The U18's also lost in the semi final of the cup to the eventual winners Wimbourne.
Results as available.
U18's
Pool Games
Thomas Beckett 0 Basford 36
Letchworth 5 Basford 14
Esher 0 Basford 5

Qtr Final

H3 &South Sussex 7 Basford 17

Semi Final
Wimbourne 27 Basford 0.

Despite the reult there were some terrific performances from all the girls with tries on the day for Frenchie, Mouse, Jen, Tash, Frances, and Alice (who was playing in her 1st game for the club). Ellie and Jen also put away a few conversions.

Well done to all the girls who played
Stumpy, MCB, Jemma, Megan, Frances, Tash, Jen, Ellie, Alice,Mouse,Frenchie,Siobhan and Sam.
Well done also to the U15's (apologies but still waiting for full match details from Tina).
Well done though to Olivia, Lucie, Maddie, Abi, Abbie, Bron, Caitlin, Hannah, Claire, Amy and Becky

This was the last game of the season for Basford and we lose a few girls now as they go off to Uni and senior ladies rugby.
well done to all of you this weekend, it was a fun filled weekend and everyone seemed to have a good time over the 3 days camping.

Thanks to Pete for the usual splendid BBQ.

Basford Girls league Champions

2009-04-27T19:51:00.003+01:00

Congratulations to both the U15's and the U18's who have finished as winners of their respective leagues.

Both teams played in the Kent & Sussex league this year and have travelled to some old friends and to new clubs.

Extract of email from Jedda Taylor (League organiser)

The congratulations is much deserved - Basford I think are a formidable squad for any team in the country to encounter! You, as coaches must be very proud and pleased. Congratulations to you too.

I can only re-iterate my, and everyone elses thanks to all your players, coaches and parents who have made such an effort this season. The travelling can't have been easy at all. I have family in Essex so know what that bloomin' bridge/tunnel can be like at times!

Basford are deserved winners and I hope the girls/clubs enjoy their end-of-season presentations. Please pass on my thanks to all the players and the parents.

It was a great display of rugby by Basford!
Kind Regards,
Jedda

Congratulations to all those girls who pulled on the Basford shirt this season and played for the team.
Thanks also to the coaches , managers, Physio and kitman /general dogs body.
Paula
Tina
Jock
Darren
Jeff U15's
Peter U15's
Tony U18's
Gavin U18's

Also congratulations to both the team captains Olivia (U15's) and Sarah MCB (U18's)
Sarah leaves the club at the end of the season to go of to "sunny Climes", well Scotland to tackle University life. She has had a terrific season despite coming back from a truly horrendous leg break and like last years captain (Natalie Worthing 10's) signs off with some silver ware.
Well done also to the girls who made the step up from U15's to U18's this year, a great effort by all of you.

Thanks also to Our generous sponsors without whom we would not have been able to start the season with new attire.
Also to the parents for the endless travelling to games week in week out.

But a very special thanks to Paula who has done so much to ensure that all the girls have had a season of rugby this year.

U18's

Sarah MCB, Sam (Stumpy), Jemma, Meg, Frances, Jen, Tash, Jess, Sophie, Siobhan, Anna, Mouse, Frenchie, Fi, Frank, India, Sam S, Emily,

U15's

Olivia, Yaz, Maddie, Lucie, Abbie, Abi, Caitlin, Amy, Becky, Sadie, Hannah, Claire, Bronwyn, Layla.

Basford girls play for England

2009-04-15T09:09:00.003+01:00

Wales Under 20s 8 England Under 20s 26
England Women Under 20s opened their international campaign this season with an impressive 26-8 victory over Wales at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay today (Tuesday).

Two of last years U18's have made the step up and yesterday made their Debuts for the England U20 side.

Natalie McClarnon who was club captain last year and Sophie Russell have seen the results of their hard work pay off with an England cap.

Congratulations to both girls from all at Basford and we look forward to seeing you both in the white shirt many more times.