The early October sun shone for a fabulous day of girls’ rugby in as Guildfordians Rugby Club hosted a full day festival for nearly 1000 girls ranging from U12s to U16s. The Heath U14 girls squad, sporting their new match shirts sponsored by the Focus Group and including several novice players new to the squad, was keen to make a mark in their first competitive games as a team.

In the pool games, played in the blazing sunshine, Heath put in a positive performance across all three matches. The first game was drawn against an experienced Worthing side. The girls had a slow and cautious start before getting into their stride, putting in some flying and effective tackles and showing great determination which resulted in their first team try. The team’s defensive game showed commitment and developing skill, although there were some break-free runs from the opposition and although Heath competed well throughout they lost the game by four tries to one.

The following two games showcased the true ethos of rugby where the Heath U14 girls really came together, supporting each other as a cohesive unit, matching the power and determination of the Old Reigatians and Guildford/Camberley squads with two very closely contested matches. Again, the well-drilled defence provided a real challenge, with Heath repeatedly stopping the opposition in their tracks. Heath had some brilliant offensive sprints to the try line, scoring two tries in each game although they eventually lost both by the same small margin 3-2. Although Heath did not progress in the tournament, the squad showed strong skills, teamwork and demonstrated that they have great promise as a squad on the rise – one to watch out for during the rest of the season.

Heath girls squads are always on the look-out for new recruits - any girls interested in joining midweek training on Tuesday evenings as well as Sunday mornings should contact rugby@hhrfc.co.uk.

Sponsors are also being sought so that weatherproof robes can be provided for the team to allow for pitch-side changes of kit, particularly at grounds where girls changing facilities are not available. A situation that currently exists even when playing at home but one that will hopefully be resolved at Whitemans Green when the new HHRFC Clubhouse is built next year. Again, please contact the Club to explore sponsorship opportunities.

Heath U14 girls squad: Rosa McDonald, Margot Bussiere, Evie Woolaston, Luana Pearson, Annie Wetton, Amelie Oliver, Izzy Williams, Ilaria De Luca, Kaddie Camarra, Evelyn Brotherton-Smith, Liliana Tocu, India Rainford-Etienne