Cheshunt Girls @ Letchworth Festival

Report by Kevin M

On Sunday 13 October 2019 I refereed my first full 15-a-side U18 girl’s rugby match. I had not refereed for about four years, so was intrigued as to how the girls/ladies game had progressed. I had previously coached and refereed at Cheshunt, helping build a very successful boy’s team, which gained promotions and won a couple of cups. To say I am proud of their achievements is an understatement.
So, here I am again! My 16 year old daughter had to choose a competitive sport for her A-level PE course, and I was very happy that she chose rugby union as her preferred sport. There was only one team that she was going to sign up to and follow in her two brother's footsteps, and that was to play in the green and white hoops of CHESHUNT!

The girl's section is run by Lucy and assisted by Manu and Bradley and the fun and laughter they all have while learning to play rugby is great to see. It is fantastic that the club has a girls/ladies section and whilst it can take time to build numbers, it will happen. With such committed coaches, the superb facilities and support from the club, there is a pathway to build a very successful section.

Last Sunday was another proud day for me when Sarah played her first match in a girl’s festival at Letchworth. As it is very difficult for all clubs to recruit numbers, the usual format is X7's which is a fast moving 7 a side game. However, with all clubs co-operating, and pooling players, two 15 a side teams were made. Cheshunt joined Letchworth/Royston and High Wycombe and they played against Chesham/Bishops Stortford. The organisation, communication and co-operation from all involved was superb, and everyone involved played their part in providing a great tournament from U11's to U18's.

The match that I refereed had players with varying experience, some having played for five or six years or through mini rugby, others like Sarah, having never played before. The match itself was played in a fantastic spirit, with both teams fiercely contesting the match. The standard of play from both teams was fantastic with rucks, mauls and tackles carried out correctly, with a high level of technique. The standard of play was so high that very few penalties were conceded by either team and both teams were able to complete in fully contested scrums and lightening timeouts.

I cannot praise the girls highly enough for the way they played this match. I know it's a bit of a cliché, but the winner was girl's rugby and I hope that each team can encourage as many girls as possible to join and enjoy such a fantastic sport. Sarah was made to feel so welcome by the other teams and they helped her with her positional play and encouraged her throughout the match.

As for the result (I said it was competitive) the team that Cheshunt were in won 20-17 with some fine tries scored. As for me, I hope to see many more games, either refereeing or cheering you on from the touchline. I would like to wish every Cheshunt team a successful season.

Don't forget that the club are always looking for new players to join the ever expanding U11, U13, U15 and U18 girls teams. They train on a Tuesday evening from 6.00pm and on a Sunday afternoon from 1.00pm. Please contact Lucy at girls.rugby@cheshuntrugby.co.uk if you need any more information.

Kevin