Seven players from Royal Wootton Bassett Ravens helped Dorset & Wilts u-15 girls record a clean sweep of victories in their 2022 county campaign on Sunday.
After securing victories against Berkshire and Buckinghamshire in the past couple of weeks the girls travelled to North Dorset Rugby Club in Gillingham to take on Somerset in their final fixture of the season.
Conditions were perfect for rugby and the game didn’t disappoint in terms of skills on display and the determination to win from both sides. D&W raced into an early 14-0 lead thanks to two converted tries from Chippenham RFC’s Lauren Casson but Somerset fought back bravely with some excellent forward play and running from the backs putting pressure on the D&W defence. D&W went down to 14 players for a yellow card but did well not to concede during that period only succumbing to a Somerset try just after getting back up to full strength. The first period ending 14-5.
Both teams made changes at the break but that didn’t diminish the quality of play on display and the large crowd of family members and supporters were well entertained. Somerset scored early in the 2nd period making the score 14-12 but D&W again showed great character, playing some expansive, attacking rugby which culminated in Hayley Jones (Chippenham RFC) crashing over for a converted try to make the score 21-12 at the end of the 2nd period.
More changes were made at the start of the 3rd period with some players being forced to play out of position due to injuries but again the standards and attitude never dropped, D&W crossing the line early with Maisy Herbert (Sidmouth RFC) scoring a brilliant individual try after a fantastic run from near the halfway line. The try was converted and despite some more great attacking play from both teams the game ended with no further scores, D&W being victorious 28-12.
The victory was a fitting end to a fantastic few weeks and much credit must go to the coaches who brought the team together earlier this year. Their confidence has grown week by week and there’s great excitement about what they will achieve next year.
Pictured above are the magnificent seven from RWBRFC (L-R) Lilly-Rose Cotterill, Emily Richardson, Ellie Barton, Maisie Trotman, Owen Richardson (coach), Keira Chard, Chloe Reeves and Lucy Upton.
