Girls’ rugby is taking off
U12s formed and titles won
Girls’ rugby at Stirling County reached a new high on Sunday with the first-ever match for the Under 12s – and championship wins for the Under-15 and Under-18 sides.
Bigger and Howe/Angus clubs were the opponents for the U12 squad, many of whom were playing in a rugby match outside of training for the first time.
They played some great running rugby in both games, showing great determination in both attack and defence, and all the girls left the pitch with a smile on their face and an appetite for more.
Both the U15s and U18s had crucial matches in the Girls’ Mirage Conference against Biggar, knowing that victories could give them the title.
The U15s rounded off an unbeaten run, shutting out Biggar 47-0 to win their section while the U18s came from 17-5 down to win 29-17 in an impressive performance from both sides.
Biggar U18s won earlier in the season at Hartreemill so the U18s table finished level but with the U15’s success, the combined Conference title went to County.
Under 18s head coach Al Wilson said: “The girls’ section at Stirling County has benefited from a committed, and growing, band of volunteers who have driven the section, including Director of Women and Girls’ Rugby Donna Paterson, and a group of coaches who have ●All photos by Bryan Robertson all completed UKCC Level 2 coaching qualifications.
“Expanding the already successful Academy Player Development Programme to include a selection of girls has also been a key catalyst, especially for the more senior players. This programme, led by Academy Manager Stewart Milne, delivers a mixture of skills development, a strength and conditioning programme and player education sessions, and is helping players become more prepared for senior rugby.
“Youth rugby is a sport in itself, but it is also about providing a base to generate the next women’s players and we are ambitious in that aspect with a very strong ‘One Club’ ethos.”
Al added: “The final day of the Conference was set up to be a belter and neither club disappointed. The level of rugby on display was superb and it was great to have a good crowd in the stands to witness it, especially with the highly competitive U18s game.
“As a coach I’m massively proud of our girls for fighting for the win, but as a fan, I was blown away at the standard and excited about the future of women’s rugby in Scotland - the crowds were well and truly entertained.
“Hopefully more people will get involved in and engage with the girls’ game because it is growing and it is exciting to see just how far these athletes can go.”