Two wins from two for the under 18s

The Veolia sponsored under 18s teamed up with Ryton and Horden to form a 15 a side team. The Rovers players, Sophie D, Sophie H, Chloe, and Ellie and contributed to some very good performances.

The coaches didn't have to do much as the girls came together and played like they had been a team for year.

The first game was against a combined Houghton and Bishop. Rovers played some excellent rugby with support play in attack superb and a resolute defence. Sophie H did a couple of good runs and was on hand to smash some rucks. Sophie D was her usual busy self putting in her trademark big hits and linking well with her backs. They went on the win the game about 5 tries to nil.

The second game was against a combined DMP, Barney, and Rockcliff. Once again the Rovers girls played their part in a good team performance supported by the girls form Ryton and Rovers. Chloe got stuck into the hard work up front and Ellie made a number of breaks and also showed accurate handling skills. Sophie D got on the score sheet doing what we regularly see her do in training and that is read the play, get up quick, and took an interception to go through and score. It was during this game that a wonderful team try was scored. Pressure from the home defence forced a turn over. The ball was moved and after a few forward drives the ball was moved along the line for the winger to score in the corner. Right in front to f the watching England legend Tamara Taylor.

It was a really good afternoon of rugby with all of the girls from every club giving it their all. Credit must go to the players for showing such sportsmanship when they regularly team up with strangers yet all get on so well and welcome the idea of sharing players. That is also testament to the coaches around the region doing such a great job coaching and mentoring these players.

A big thank you to all of the players and coaches for traveling to the festival. To our referee, Andrew, and to Neil in the kitchen who never stopped all day.

This performance will once again boost the confidence of our under 18s and this experience will really help next season when out u15s move up to join them.