The sun shone bright over the Ludlow RFC as Kidderminster Carolians Girls U12’s took to the pitch. This was a big day for many of the Girls – of our 10 players, 7 had never played in a match before and one has come back to the sport after nearly 2 years out.

Before a ball was kicked, or a try was scored, it has been a huge effort from all the girls to get to this point – passing, tackling, rucks, mauls, running, scrums – all skills practiced throughout the summer and autumn, come rain or shine!

And to the match. Ludlow got proceedings underway and went through some high-quality phases of play. However, the tackling practice from the KCRFC girls had served them well. Ludlow found little joy running through the centre but used their pace out wide to get around the edges and record the first score of the day. And so the first 10 min period continued, KCRFC solid thought the middle, but bunching defensively and allowing Ludlow joy around the edges. Towards the end of the first 10 mins, Ellie, made a great carry and broke the Ludlow line to record her and KCRFC U12’s first try of the season!

With their first taste of match rugby under their belt, the girls came off the pitch tired, but with smiles! Some words from senior players Bethany and Sophie must have done the trick as KCRFC were on the front foot from the off. Ellie picked up the second (of her seven!!!) tries of the day shortly after kick off. Thea made a darting run down the wing but was well tackled into touch by the strong Ludlow defence. She wasn’t to be held out for long though – a surging run down the wing and she was in for the first try of her hatrick. The key to success was the hard work off the ball to retain possession. Nyla was everywhere, covering every ruck and making sure the ball came back on the KCRFC side.

Into the last 10 min period, Ludlow had were keen to finish strong and the game became tight. A great carry from Martha down the wing, which was recycled quickly by Fern, allowed KCRFC to get in behind the Ludlow defence. The ball eventually found Talya in space who made a great run but was tackled just short of the try line by some great Ludlow cover defence. A few phases later and KCRFC were in for another well worked team try in the corner. Ludlow, who had used their pace so well in the first 10 mins did so again and hit back with high quality try. With captain Sophie, putting everything into the last 10 mins, the girls rallied around. Harriet and Eva, using everything they had left in the tank to cover the wings and defend against the Ludlow attack. The girls held firm and managed to break up the park for one final try of the day.

All of the girls came off the park knackered, but grinning from ear to ear. Considering it was the first game for many of them, and many of the Ludlow players, the quality was outstanding.

A huge thanks to the girls who turned out for Ludlow and did their club proud. The match was played with the true ethos of the RFU’s TREDS values. Also, a huge thanks to Chris at Ludlow who refereed the match fantastically and allowed the game to flow!

KCRFC Players of the match
Ellie – For her fantastic sportsmanship in playing the 3rd period for Ludlow and for scoring 7 great tries
Thea – For her determination to keep going and scoring 3 well worked tries.

If you would like to get involved in Girls Rugby at KCRFC, please contact Steve at KCRFCGirls@gmail.com or use the contact form on the contacts page.