Oh my word! After all the disappointments and havoc that the pandemic has wrought on the rugby field, today has proved that the Bassett Ravens are fast becoming a force to be reckoned with!
The Dorset and Wiltshire Girls County Trials for U15W and U18W were held at Sherborne RFC in deepest, darkest Dorset and, whilst we don’t have an U18W squad yet, 11 of our U15s were nominated by the Club to try out for the County team.
The chilly day started with a warm-up and the girls were disguised in coloured bibs and numbers (no Club affiliation on show). They were then split into several large groups and moved on to a training carousel of various drills and skills.
After a picnic lunch, the County coaches and selectors divided the nominees into 4 teams and rotated them through short games so that they had the opportunity to shine in their preferred squad positions. The Ravens had a good mix of forwards and backs, sprinkled throughout the teams and they all performed with spirit, strength and pride, each competing for one of 25 places on the County squad.
As they left the field, tired but upbeat, and headed home for warm baths, hot meals and post-match recovery, none of the girls or assembled parents and supporters had a clue as to the outcome of the Trials. The coaches and selectors had quickly disappeared into a closed committee to review each player’s performance and to whittle down the 96 nominees into 25 places on the County team.
Much, much later Club coaches and team managers were informed and calls were made to the players.
At this point special mention must be made of Issy Cooke, Eleanor Flood, Amy Moody and Kate Warlow who were just below the cut but will be back to try out again next season. Well done girls you’re a credit to your team and your Club!
However, the County chose 7 Bassett Ravens to play for D&W U15W this season!
Drum roll please and a HUGE ROUND OF CONGRATULATIONS to our selected Forwards…
- Ellie Barton
- Lily-Rose Cotterill
- Chloe Reeves
- Maisie Trotman
- Lucy Upton
and our Backs…
- Kiera Chard
- Emily Richardson
Girls - your coaches, team mates, friends and families can be justifiably proud of your achievement and we’re all looking forward to watching you at County training and fixtures later in the year.
