Kayaking ladies have started well

Havant Ladies take on South West Championship Two side Ellingham & Ringwood in the first round of the Intermediate Cup competition this Sunday at Hooks Lane (2.45pm)

The home side have made a great start in the league, beating Guernsey 34-25 and Southampton 40-12.

Senior coach Dean Dryhurst is hoping for more of the same.

‘This game will be a real challenge but the work and structure that has already been put in place will bode well,’ he said. ‘The squad have also been working hard off the field with a teambuilding event of kayaking which saw the ladies take on a water rugby challenge.

'Following our last game they organised a Yoga session to relax and stretch out their bodies after a physical game against Southampton.

‘Sunday will see us wearing our new shirts which forms part of the sponsorship package from Nuffield Health. We are delighted to be working with them.’

Portsmouth Valkyries travel to Southampton on Sunday in the RFU Intermediate Cup (2pm).

Both sides are newly promoted and Valkyries head coach Mark Witcher says: ‘We always look forward to playing Southampton and expect a tough match.

‘We are missing a few girls from our two opening league games but that gives opportunities for other players who have been training hard to show the coaching team what they can do.’