This season saw the U12 Girls team become the latest addition to the already highly successful Sidmouth Girls Rugby section. The team is made up of Year 6 and 7 girls many of whom had never played before or had only a brief exposure to the world of rugby. The goal for this season was to develop the foundation skills for Rugby but just as important the values and enjoyment that the game of rugby teaches and provides. Girls rugby has never been stronger in Devon than it is today this means that for an emerging team the opposition would be tough and being part of a rugby cluster where small groups of clubs form a group that play regularly it can be daunting when the skills gap is significant. However this also allows the development to be measured.
Sidmouth are grouped with Ivybridge, Teignmouth and Kingsbridge, all these clubs have a long history and with U12 teams full of physicality and experience. So far this season Sidmouth, had despite their commitment and effort seem them end up on the end of resounding defeats. Despite the losses the girls have never given up and would compete to the end and would then take that commitment into the training sessions to work on their skills to become better. This season long effort finally came to fruition at the weekend when Sidmouth travelled to Teignmouth to play the same sides who only 2 weeks ago had beaten them in all 3 games. The weather was dry and the pitch was fast, this was going to suit Sidmouth who what they lack in physicality they easily make up for with their handling, speed and no-fear tackling. The first game was against Teignmouth and within seconds the many travelling supports were shocked in silence as Sidmouth made the first score, this was closely followed by a second to the absolute delight of the Sidmouth fans. Teignmouth made critical substitutions and quickly levelled the scores. Sidmouth continued to exert pressure which eventually saw them take the lead for the first time in any game this season. However the first victory was not to be as in what can only be described as extended extra time Teignmouth managed to drive over in the corner to bring the scores level.
Buoyed by their success Sidmouth went into the second match full of confidence as they faced Ivybridge who has proven to be their toughest opponents all season. Sidmouth U12s were not phased at all and took the game straight to Ivybridge felling their big strike runners with ease much to the surprise of the Ivybridge players and supporters. The dominance Sidmouth showed at the ruck and the commitment in contact inspired the entire team to push on. Ivybridge built, what they thought was a comfortable 4 try lead but they were not prepared for the resurgence of the Sidmouth girls. Sidmouth who have worked tirelessly on their handling and attacking skills took what they learned on the training pitch into the second half and frustrated Ivybridge by moving the ball from side to side with impeccable passing and support running resulting in 3 well worked tries. As the game clock ran down Sidmouth were the much better side and a final push forward saw Sidmouth agonisingly denied inches from the try line and with that, the final whistle blew seeing them lose by the narrowest of margins.
The final game saw Sidmouth face Kingsbridge, another physical and experienced side. Not to be disheartened by the disappointment of the previous game, the girls started strong but met a fearsome defence and there was little to separate the teams in the opening minutes, eventually one side had to break and despite a last ditch tackle attempt Kingsbridge scored first. Scores were then exchanged levelling the game 2 tries apiece thanks to tremendous driving in the forwards and slick handling in the backs but Kingsbridge ultimately proved too strong for Sidmouth but not before Sidmouth executed a try worthy of any highlight reel, after a powerful drive from deep in the Sidmouth half, quick recycled ball passed down the line through as many as 6 pairs of hands was finished off with a perfectly weighted pass to touch down in the corner.
Having seen this side develop from the early days of September to the highly competitive and talented team is testament to the effort, commitment and overall teamwork of the entre U12s squad. Well done Girls!!!
Team: Alice Gregory, Ella Hicks, Farrah Pugsley, Flo Austin-Rigby, Gracie Cook, Imogen Blackmore, Lily Vanstone, Lizzie Huntwood, Lottie Dukes, Nell James, Ophelia Wharton, Rosie Nancekivell, Sophie Woodgate
Sidmouth are grouped with Ivybridge, Teignmouth and Kingsbridge, all these clubs have a long history and with U12 teams full of physicality and experience. So far this season Sidmouth, had despite their commitment and effort seem them end up on the end of resounding defeats. Despite the losses the girls have never given up and would compete to the end and would then take that commitment into the training sessions to work on their skills to become better. This season long effort finally came to fruition at the weekend when Sidmouth travelled to Teignmouth to play the same sides who only 2 weeks ago had beaten them in all 3 games. The weather was dry and the pitch was fast, this was going to suit Sidmouth who what they lack in physicality they easily make up for with their handling, speed and no-fear tackling. The first game was against Teignmouth and within seconds the many travelling supports were shocked in silence as Sidmouth made the first score, this was closely followed by a second to the absolute delight of the Sidmouth fans. Teignmouth made critical substitutions and quickly levelled the scores. Sidmouth continued to exert pressure which eventually saw them take the lead for the first time in any game this season. However the first victory was not to be as in what can only be described as extended extra time Teignmouth managed to drive over in the corner to bring the scores level.
Buoyed by their success Sidmouth went into the second match full of confidence as they faced Ivybridge who has proven to be their toughest opponents all season. Sidmouth U12s were not phased at all and took the game straight to Ivybridge felling their big strike runners with ease much to the surprise of the Ivybridge players and supporters. The dominance Sidmouth showed at the ruck and the commitment in contact inspired the entire team to push on. Ivybridge built, what they thought was a comfortable 4 try lead but they were not prepared for the resurgence of the Sidmouth girls. Sidmouth who have worked tirelessly on their handling and attacking skills took what they learned on the training pitch into the second half and frustrated Ivybridge by moving the ball from side to side with impeccable passing and support running resulting in 3 well worked tries. As the game clock ran down Sidmouth were the much better side and a final push forward saw Sidmouth agonisingly denied inches from the try line and with that, the final whistle blew seeing them lose by the narrowest of margins.
The final game saw Sidmouth face Kingsbridge, another physical and experienced side. Not to be disheartened by the disappointment of the previous game, the girls started strong but met a fearsome defence and there was little to separate the teams in the opening minutes, eventually one side had to break and despite a last ditch tackle attempt Kingsbridge scored first. Scores were then exchanged levelling the game 2 tries apiece thanks to tremendous driving in the forwards and slick handling in the backs but Kingsbridge ultimately proved too strong for Sidmouth but not before Sidmouth executed a try worthy of any highlight reel, after a powerful drive from deep in the Sidmouth half, quick recycled ball passed down the line through as many as 6 pairs of hands was finished off with a perfectly weighted pass to touch down in the corner.
Having seen this side develop from the early days of September to the highly competitive and talented team is testament to the effort, commitment and overall teamwork of the entre U12s squad. Well done Girls!!!
Team: Alice Gregory, Ella Hicks, Farrah Pugsley, Flo Austin-Rigby, Gracie Cook, Imogen Blackmore, Lily Vanstone, Lizzie Huntwood, Lottie Dukes, Nell James, Ophelia Wharton, Rosie Nancekivell, Sophie Woodgate
