There has been plenty of celebration in Girls’ Rugby League this past week with almost 100 players competing in the North West and Yorkshire Under 14 and Under 16 Finals.
The fixtures have become a favourite in the Girls Rugby League calendar and hundreds of fans turned up to cheer the stars of tomorrow on over two nights.
First up on Tuesday were the North West Finals hosted by Leigh Miners Academy who kicked the evening off in the U14 category against Wigan St Patricks. Leigh ran out 70-0 victors - despite the scoreline, St Pats, never gave up and with some of the team playing in their very first season they have lots to look forward to in the future. Player of the Match, Madison Vaughan, was one of many stand out performers on the day and scored an impressive five tries - full back Niamh Riley was also on the score sheet with four tries and five conversions. Other scorers included Tamzin Anderson, Charlotte Fitzpatrick, Annabel Rigby, Lucy Simpson, Jessica Taylor and Megan Watson.
The U16’s Final was a classic clash between Warrington Wolves and Leigh Miners – Warrington held a 16–6 half time advantage over Leigh before the Miners staged a second half come back to take the spoils 24–22. The hosts’ comeback was thanks to tries from Jenna Foubister, Caitlyn Maylor, Katie Palmer and Player of the Match Ruby Hunter - Foubister also kicked four goals. Scorers for the Wire included Ellie Cridland, Leila D’Symonds, Ruby Egerton and Lily Stockton - Charlotte Meredith kicked three conversions.
On Wednesday evening, attention turned to Yorkshire where two tight tussles ensued. Both Finals took place at Castleford RFC - the home of the Bronte Barbarians Rugby League Club. The U14’s game was a thrilling encounter where Whinmoor Warriors clung on right up until the final whistle to overcome Lock Lane 10-12 and claim their first piece of silver wear. Whinmoors Player of the Match, Millie Sadler, was a constant threat and crossed the whitewash twice - her teammate Annabelle Stuttard also had an outstanding game. Lock Lane’s scorers were Ruby Darley, Ruby Ellis and a Mia Newton conversion.
The U16 Final was a West Yorkshire derby between Shaw Cross and Dewsbury Moor which turned out to be a fantastic contest. Neither team gave anything up and Dewsbury went into half time
10-4 ahead thanks to tries from Caitlyn Cox, Ruby Bruce and a Ruby Walker. Some great defence from both sides saw the score remain 10-4 until the final six minutes before consecutive tries from Flora Barker-Hill and Caitlin Morrison Twibill saw Dewsbury crowned champions after a 22-4 victory.
Phoebe Wilson scored Shaw Cross’ only try of the game - Dewsbury full back Walker was named Player of the Match.
Overall, both Finals were a great success with almost 100 girls participating across the two nights with eight female officials also involved.
