Cup glory kicking in for squad
Morpeth’s girls land top trophy honours GIRLS RUGBY
MORPETH Rugby Club is getting teenage kicks from the success of its under-15s girls’ team.
The squad lifted the inaugural Northumberland County Cup with a 39-22 victory over Tynedale in the final, which they had reached by overcoming Alnwick.
That success led to Morpeth representing Northumberland in the National Cup, whey they lost to Halifax-based Sandal despite a spirited performance.
Despite that loss, girls’ coach Graham Carr is delighted with the success his young proteges have enjoyed.
He said: “The girls did so well in the final and I was very proud of every member of the squad.
“We knew Tynedale would be a very tough test for us but we came through that very well in what was a terrific final.
“The squad consists of an enthusiastic and very talented bunch of girls, many of whom have also been selected to represent and play for Northumberland at county level.”
The under-15s are just one part of a thriving women’s and girls’ section at the Northumberland club.
Carr added: “We now have 16 girls playing at under-13 level, 23 under-15s and 21 girls competing at under-18 as well as well as a women’s squad.
“Eight years ago we did not even have an under-15 girls’ squad so the progress we have made has been fantastic.
“Things have just blossomed and the girls’ success is testament to that.”
Meanwhile, Morpeth are hosting their first junior tournament on Good Friday with competitions for under-10, under-13, under-15 and under-18 squads.
Organisers hope to attract more than 400 young players and if successful the tournament could become an annual event.
It will be sponsored by Mincoffs Solicitors, who also back the under15 girls team. Watch out for a picture special in Grassroots Sport.