Girls score third in National Sevens
Coaches proud of displays in Edinburgh
West Lothian Under- 15 girls rugby club clinched third place at the National Sevens in Edinburgh thanks to a string of terrific performances.
The girls, who are a combination of Livingston and Linlithgow club players, have been in great form all season and eased to an 8-1 victory in their first group against host club Murrayfield Wanderers.
Rosie Dunlop led the scoring with two tries while Hannah Ramsay, Lauryn McGrotty, Laurie Whike, Eilidh Day, Erin Steel and Emma Lumsden all touched down in the comfortable victory.
They followed the result with another great offensive display in scoring six well- worked tries in a 6-4 triumph over Hillhead/ Jordanhill which rendered meaningless their 4- 0 loss to Stirling in their final group game as they still qualified for the semifinals.
Hannah Ramsay was the chief beneficiary of brilliant teamwork in the win over Hillhead/Jordanhill as she scored four tries. Lauryn McGrotty and Ella Roberts were also on the scoresheet.
Manager Julie Steel was full of praise for the side.
She said: “The girls played to their strengths and really demonstrated their growing abilities and were able to deliver some outstanding performances.”
Finishing second in their group set up a semi- final with Biggar where, despite yet another positive display and tries from Laurie Whike and Hannah Ramsay, they went down 4-2.
Coach Paul McVeigh paid tribute to the girls for their tournament showing, saying: “The girls played some really good rugby and overall they should be very proud of their efforts.
“It was an all-round team effort which saw them through to the semi- finals but, after a battling performance, they lost out to Biggar in a close game. To be in a national finals event after such a short time together is a huge achievement and testament to the hard work they have put in.
“The coaches are all very proud of what the girls have done.”
Fellow coach Paul McGrotty said: “We are all so proud of how the players have developed into an amazing team. Who would have thought in October when we first got together we would finish third in a national cup competition?
“Just think what we can do next season with more time and practice.”
The girls head to East Kilbride for a charity Sevens tournament this weekend.