Lichfield Ladies Festival Day of Rugby

 

On Sunday 11^th October, Lichfield RFC hosted an event to raise awareness of the forthcoming World Cup hosted by England in 2010. Lichfield & Burton U15s and U18s played in curtain-raisers, with the 1^st team hosting Team Northumbria in a Premiership Clash boasting plenty of Internationals followed by a Q&A session with the players.

 

Lichfield Ladies 1^st XV         -            27

Team Northumbria               -            5

 

On Sunday, Cooke Fields saw a celebration of rugby to help promote the World Cup in 2010 that saw action from the u15’s, u18’s and Senior 1XV teams (all running out winners), and the welcoming of new sponsors Tempest Ford to Cooke Fields for the first time.

 

The day started with superbly hard fought wins for the u15’s against Paviors 38 - 24 and the scalp of Jimmy’s Angels for the u18’s where they won 46 - 0. Both wins baring testimony to the talent in the junior section of the club and hard work of players and coaches.

Lichfield Captain Sarah Hunter (in red) rises for the home side in a line-out

 

The main event was a hard fought affair with Lichfield running out eventual winners 27 – 5. Team Northumbria certainly did not make it easy for the home team battering their way over the line once towards the end of the first half. However, Lichfield’s sheer grit and determination made sure that they held their opposition off to run in 4 tries through fullback Vicky McCormack, 2 by scrum-half Lois Moulding and 1 by sub Becky Williams. England’s Emily Scarratt converted 2 of the tries as well as a penalty.

 

U18s players from Lichfield and Jimmies Angels participate in a Q & A session with players Kat Merchant from Worcester; Sarah Beale, Emily Scarratt and captain Sarah Hunter from Lichfield and Rochelle (Rocky) Clarke from Team Northumbria

 

After the game, both Premiership teams containing International players from many nations, hosted a Q & A session with the U15s and U18s which allowed an insight into the lives of the top players in the country as well as guidance on how the youngsters can start their own journey to represent their country. This was run by RFUW Club and Coach Officer Andy Paton and Midlands RFUW Rugby Development Manager Claire Antcliffe. The event was supported by Club and CB dignitaries and it is hoped that after visitors saw what Lichfield have to offer in the way of girls and women’s rugby, that there will be more players encouraged to join the club.

 

For further details of female rugby at Lichfield RFC, please contact: lichfieldladies@hotmail.co.uk.

 

Claire Antcliffe
Women’s Rugby Development Manager for the Midlands
Tel: 07841 367447
Email: claireantcliffe@rfu.com