NPR

My Grand Daughter is currently in Belgium for the week, with her College/Quins academy squad. They work them pretty hard but she's absolutely loving her time at Worthing College.

My daughter has her first mini tournament today having been called up from the U7’s to the U8’s (they needed and extra player and she was picked as the one who was ready)

Definitely know which one of us is the most nervous/excited…

Slick wrote: Sun Dec 15, 2024 9:09 am My daughter has her first mini tournament today having been called up from the U7’s to the U8’s (they needed and extra player and she was picked as the one who was ready)

Definitely know which one of us is the most nervous/excited…

A very proud daddy yesterday. Unfortunately the actual games were an absolute shambles, but she got stuck in and had some good runs, the odd pass and generally made her touches. You couldn't tell everyone else had been playing matches for at least 6 months.

Slick wrote: Mon Dec 16, 2024 12:34 pm

Slick wrote: Sun Dec 15, 2024 9:09 am My daughter has her first mini tournament today having been called up from the U7’s to the U8’s (they needed and extra player and she was picked as the one who was ready)

Definitely know which one of us is the most nervous/excited…

A very proud daddy yesterday. Unfortunately the actual games were an absolute shambles, but she got stuck in and had some good runs, the odd pass and generally made her touches. You couldn't tell everyone else had been playing matches for at least 6 months.

It's crazy how seeing your kids do reasonably well is more rewarding than when you yourself did it. At least, that's how it works for me. My oldest son (now a 2nd year senior) did a double shift yesterday - starting for the first XV, then right after that game finished he started for the second XV, and did the goal kicking on top of his usual flanker duty (including being a primary jumper). To say he was dead on his feet by the end is understating it! But he helped both teams top their league by 5PM, so the trooper shift had its rewards.

Went to a Bath rugby academy meeting a few nights ago. A "what we're after" thing, from coaches from the area, since they've just taken over our region. My lot are a bit young for it to be immediately relevant, but it was an interesting evening.

We had a bit of a presentation of what they're after, then got to watch a mix of about 30 of their current u15s do some training.

He in the presentation, he said they've started at u15 now, rather than u14, because he says it's practically pointless at u14 due to so much variation in development. Also said that you can't judge much at u15 or even u16, in terms of physical ability immediately either, so they try and mostly judge on other things, but physical aspects still count.

Taking it all with a bit of a pinch of salt, because whilst it's nice to hear, we all know that the words and actions aren't always the same. Was nattering to another coach who said her son was in the old London Irish setup, and they apparently very much did tend to take the early developers that had already come out of the other side of puberty.

So when we got out on the pitch and saw them, it was actually a nice surprise. They were all clearly boys, wouldn't have served any of them in the pub etc. Some of them were tall, some bloody massive, but all still looked like kids (and beyond the fact that I'm getting older). Sure, they were mostly at some point or another of puberty, but that's not a surprise for 14/15 year olds, but no one there looked like he'd need to be shaving every morning.

Also said that clubs were welcome to nominate as many players as they wanted for the assessment day, since they found when it was only 2/3 nominations per club, they'd end up with 100 no. 8s, fly halves and centres, because that's where everyone played their best players, and then have no locks, props or wingers etc.

Said that throwing into the lineout was a skill that was sorely lacking, and that basically no one coming into the academy was good enough at catch pass.

Raggs wrote: Thu Feb 06, 2025 11:00 am Went to a Bath rugby academy meeting a few nights ago. A "what we're after" thing, from coaches from the area, since they've just taken over our region. My lot are a bit young for it to be immediately relevant, but it was an interesting evening.

We had a bit of a presentation of what they're after, then got to watch a mix of about 30 of their current u15s do some training.

He in the presentation, he said they've started at u15 now, rather than u14, because he says it's practically pointless at u14 due to so much variation in development. Also said that you can't judge much at u15 or even u16, in terms of physical ability immediately either, so they try and mostly judge on other things, but physical aspects still count.

Taking it all with a bit of a pinch of salt, because whilst it's nice to hear, we all know that the words and actions aren't always the same. Was nattering to another coach who said her son was in the old London Irish setup, and they apparently very much did tend to take the early developers that had already come out of the other side of puberty.

So when we got out on the pitch and saw them, it was actually a nice surprise. They were all clearly boys, wouldn't have served any of them in the pub etc. Some of them were tall, some bloody massive, but all still looked like kids (and beyond the fact that I'm getting older). Sure, they were mostly at some point or another of puberty, but that's not a surprise for 14/15 year olds, but no one there looked like he'd need to be shaving every morning.

Also said that clubs were welcome to nominate as many players as they wanted for the assessment day, since they found when it was only 2/3 nominations per club, they'd end up with 100 no. 8s, fly halves and centres, because that's where everyone played their best players, and then have no locks, props or wingers etc.

Said that throwing into the lineout was a skill that was sorely lacking, and that basically no one coming into the academy was good enough at catch pass.

Lots in that why I'm not a fan of academies even at that age, with the acknowledgement that they won't really know much. If the top end are looking for better talent, then go out into the community more often and support the development of the largest groups possible. Teach community / school coaches to teach the skills lacking. Get eyeballs on the kids who don't bother with assessment days.

They're all so afraid of missing out on the next top gun that they feel the need to 'capture' them at a young age, but also have the bias of choosing the kids who look great now, usually because of an advantage of parenting (started really young, dad knows a thing or two), coaching, growth spurt, or simply being in a good team that makes them look better than they are. I remember a provincial selector here basically giving a pass to anyone who showed up from a couple of schools regardless if a physical specimen from another showed more potential. They were more aware of systems, etc. and so could give the U18 coach a better chance of winning this year's tournament, if not actually do much in rugby as they aged.

It's all so random ... there's probably better examples, but thinking of someone like Alfie Barbeary. Absolute stud at youth level. I guess injuries have held him back a bit, but now 24 and hasn't really fulfilled youth promise. Probably jerked around a bit by coaches who had him between hooker and 8? I see a lot of that where I am... we have a very good centre/winger at our club at the moment who Canadian national coaches have said should put on weight to become a hooker or even prop, ffs!?

Niegs wrote: Thu Feb 06, 2025 6:17 pm

Raggs wrote: Thu Feb 06, 2025 11:00 am Went to a Bath rugby academy meeting a few nights ago. A "what we're after" thing, from coaches from the area, since they've just taken over our region. My lot are a bit young for it to be immediately relevant, but it was an interesting evening.

We had a bit of a presentation of what they're after, then got to watch a mix of about 30 of their current u15s do some training.

He in the presentation, he said they've started at u15 now, rather than u14, because he says it's practically pointless at u14 due to so much variation in development. Also said that you can't judge much at u15 or even u16, in terms of physical ability immediately either, so they try and mostly judge on other things, but physical aspects still count.

Taking it all with a bit of a pinch of salt, because whilst it's nice to hear, we all know that the words and actions aren't always the same. Was nattering to another coach who said her son was in the old London Irish setup, and they apparently very much did tend to take the early developers that had already come out of the other side of puberty.

So when we got out on the pitch and saw them, it was actually a nice surprise. They were all clearly boys, wouldn't have served any of them in the pub etc. Some of them were tall, some bloody massive, but all still looked like kids (and beyond the fact that I'm getting older). Sure, they were mostly at some point or another of puberty, but that's not a surprise for 14/15 year olds, but no one there looked like he'd need to be shaving every morning.

Also said that clubs were welcome to nominate as many players as they wanted for the assessment day, since they found when it was only 2/3 nominations per club, they'd end up with 100 no. 8s, fly halves and centres, because that's where everyone played their best players, and then have no locks, props or wingers etc.

Said that throwing into the lineout was a skill that was sorely lacking, and that basically no one coming into the academy was good enough at catch pass.

Lots in that why I'm not a fan of academies even at that age, with the acknowledgement that they won't really know much. If the top end are looking for better talent, then go out into the community more often and support the development of the largest groups possible. Teach community / school coaches to teach the skills lacking. Get eyeballs on the kids who don't bother with assessment days.

They're all so afraid of missing out on the next top gun that they feel the need to 'capture' them at a young age, but also have the bias of choosing the kids who look great now, usually because of an advantage of parenting (started really young, dad knows a thing or two), coaching, growth spurt, or simply being in a good team that makes them look better than they are. I remember a provincial selector here basically giving a pass to anyone who showed up from a couple of schools regardless if a physical specimen from another showed more potential. They were more aware of systems, etc. and so could give the U18 coach a better chance of winning this year's tournament, if not actually do much in rugby as they aged.

It's all so random ... there's probably better examples, but thinking of someone like Alfie Barbeary. Absolute stud at youth level. I guess injuries have held him back a bit, but now 24 and hasn't really fulfilled youth promise. Probably jerked around a bit by coaches who had him between hooker and 8? I see a lot of that where I am... we have a very good centre/winger at our club at the moment who Canadian national coaches have said should put on weight to become a hooker or even prop, ffs!?

They'd be covering hundreds of clubs, thousands of schools, it's just not viable to visit them all. If they simply go to the biggest clubs, then the biggest and strongest clubs just get stronger, when they really don't need more support.

It's also not unreasonable to ask the coaches to send players they think are in with a chance, the club coach knows the player far better than the prem club could see by visiting once a season.

They already said that physical specimens really aren't what they're after, like I said, this was a bunch of 15 year olds, and none were full beard. We've played against a kid of 12, who looked like a full man in the past. They're definitely not only after the September born kids (they even mentioned that too). Some kids were huge, but this is rugby, you're not going to be a prem lock if you're under 6'3", and if you're making that height or more, you'll be most the way there by the time you're 15. They also ask about parents height, I suspect to try and avoid thinking that 6'0 tall 15 year old is going to make 6'3"+, only to realise his mum is short and his dad topped out at 5'11" at the age of 13.

It's also not cutoff, there's 2-3 entry points each season to join, and they are trying at least to keep as many as possible under their eyes between the 15s and 16s.

Can't say I understand a centre/wing to hooker/prop conversion though... what age? Positional skills could be a serious problem there surely? Again, it's one of the reasons Bath wanted to open up the nominations, so they actually get some of the big lads for props/hookers etc who actually have some of the technical skills to be a forward.

They had 4 sort of areas they wanted from a player, and someone being selected would need to be excellent at 2. Basic skills (including positional), Athleticism (though as mentioned, keeping in mind the puberty effect), Tactical awareness, and Head/heart (coachability and determination). Reckoned as long as they excelled at 2, they could bring the rest up with their coaching.

Also recognised the fact that private school players will do a lot more rugby than state school, and that players cannot be judge on soft skills too much in that case. Think he said a little over 60% of their u15/16s were state school, figures change above that since a lot get sports scholarships for 6th form.

Went to watch my Grand Daughter play for the Worthing College 'Prem' side the other week - They scored almost from the KO after she made a break off the back of a ruck and then offloaded when tackled near the line. After that they were under the pump for practically the whole game - against a side that were a fair bit bigger. Nonetheless they stuck at it and went in at HT 10-0 up. 2nd half, more pressure and they eventually conceded two tries to go 10-14 down - then, on just about their only visit to the oppo 22, they scored and nicked the game 15-14. Last few minutes the oppo were camped in our red zone - I was almost as nervous as I am when watching England.

Since then she's been PotM for Worthing RFC u18s and also made her debut for the Harlequins (Worthing) academy 'Ace' team. Sussex wanted her to play for the County side but she'd already been named in the wider Hampshire squad (she doesn't really like the Hampshire set up). Next year she'll go with Sussex as they really rate her.

She's hoping to go to Hartpury Uni when she finishes College next year - she had a look around the Uni last week and said the set up at Hartpury is fantastic for Rugby.

This weekend we'll go and watch the younger Grand Daughter play for Winchester/Eastleigh - weather permitting.

Ovals wrote: Thu Feb 06, 2025 11:46 pm Went to watch my Grand Daughter play for the Worthing College 'Prem' side the other week - They scored almost from the KO after she made a break off the back of a ruck and then offloaded when tackled near the line. After that they were under the pump for practically the whole game - against a side that were a fair bit bigger. Nonetheless they stuck at it and went in at HT 10-0 up. 2nd half, more pressure and they eventually conceded two tries to go 10-14 down - then, on just about their only visit to the oppo 22, they scored and nicked the game 15-14. Last few minutes the oppo were camped in our red zone - I was almost as nervous as I am when watching England.

Since then she's been PotM for Worthing RFC u18s and also made her debut for the Harlequins (Worthing) academy 'Ace' team. Sussex wanted her to play for the County side but she'd already been named in the wider Hampshire squad (she doesn't really like the Hampshire set up). Next year she'll go with Sussex as they really rate her.

She's hoping to go to Hartpury Uni when she finishes College next year - she had a look around the Uni last week and said the set up at Hartpury is fantastic for Rugby.

This weekend we'll go and watch the younger Grand Daughter play for Winchester/Eastleigh - weather permitting.

Great stuff!

After her successful debut, off the bench, for the Harlequins Academy 'Ace' team last week, my Grand Daughter was selected to start this Wednesday - and also to play for Hampshire u18s on Sunday.

She turned out for Winchester on Sunday, a game she wasn't really fussed about playing in, and fractured a finger charging down a kick

She is absolutely gutted. Feel so sorry for her.

Ovals wrote: Tue Feb 11, 2025 7:23 pm After her successful debut, off the bench, for the Harlequins Academy 'Ace' team last week, my Grand Daughter was selected to start this Wednesday - and also to play for Hampshire u18s on Sunday.

She turned out for Winchester on Sunday, a game she wasn't really fussed about playing in, and fractured a finger charging down a kick

She is absolutely gutted. Feel so sorry for her.

Balls.

Time to work on her footwork and kicking!

Our U18 had great fun Beating Racing (yes the big club) Suresnes (second club in an the association)

a few photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/laurentcg ... 0324295836

it was a big day (special occasion on Women's day).

So having struggled for backs for a season, we've had 3 join in 3 weeks. Suddenly we've got enough pace to put out an actual back 3

One of them is even solidly going through puberty and everything! Hopefully he'll set an example to the rest of them to get on with it

Raggs wrote: Mon Mar 24, 2025 5:44 pm So having struggled for backs for a season, we've had 3 join in 3 weeks. Suddenly we've got enough pace to put out an actual back 3

One of them is even solidly going through puberty and everything! Hopefully he'll set an example to the rest of them to get on with it

Raggs is Steve Borthwick and I claim extortionate bonus

Slick wrote: Tue Mar 25, 2025 10:18 am

Raggs wrote: Mon Mar 24, 2025 5:44 pm So having struggled for backs for a season, we've had 3 join in 3 weeks. Suddenly we've got enough pace to put out an actual back 3

One of them is even solidly going through puberty and everything! Hopefully he'll set an example to the rest of them to get on with it

Raggs is Steve Borthwick and I claim extortionate bonus

Slick wrote: Tue Mar 25, 2025 10:18 am

Raggs wrote: Mon Mar 24, 2025 5:44 pm So having struggled for backs for a season, we've had 3 join in 3 weeks. Suddenly we've got enough pace to put out an actual back 3

One of them is even solidly going through puberty and everything! Hopefully he'll set an example to the rest of them to get on with it

Raggs is Steve Borthwick and I claim extortionate bonus

My Grand Daughter played in the Rosslyn Park national youth 7s last week, her 1st real rugby since breaking a finger 7 weeks ago. Lots of the games were streamed on Youtube with proper commentary, action replays etc - really well done - coverage was very similar to what you get on tv with player interviews etc. The commentary team were very complimentary about how she played (scored 4 tries) and how she controlled the game. She was really made up but very annoyed that they lost in a SF after the ref failed to spot a clear knock on, for the opposition (winning) try with the clock in the red ! She's not a good loser

She looks a bit battered and bruised today, but a very good experience for her and she'll be back again next year in the same age group.

Ovals wrote: Sun Mar 30, 2025 12:33 pm My Grand Daughter played in the Rosslyn Park national youth 7s last week, her 1st real rugby since breaking a finger 7 weeks ago. Lots of the games were streamed on Youtube with proper commentary, action replays etc - really well done - coverage was very similar to what you get on tv with player interviews etc. The commentary team were very complimentary about how she played (scored 4 tries) and how she controlled the game. She was really made up but very annoyed that they lost in a SF after the ref failed to spot a clear knock on, for the opposition (winning) try with the clock in the red ! She's not a good loser

She looks a bit battered and bruised today, but a very good experience for her and she'll be back again next year in the same age group.

Share the clip so we can all scrutinize the ref!

Off to the Stoop on Friday evening to watch my Grand Daughter play for Worthing u18s in the final of the Surrey Cup. They'll be huge under dogs against reigning champions Guildfordians who have 3 u18 internationals in their team - but she's very excited.

They beat Farnham 31-27 in the SF - a game they weren't really expected to win. Guidfordians won their SF 80-19 !

Ovals wrote: Tue Apr 22, 2025 8:42 pm Off to the Stoop on Friday evening to watch my Grand Daughter play for Worthing u18s in the final of the Surrey Cup. They'll be huge under dogs against reigning champions Guildfordians who have 3 u18 internationals in their team - but she's very excited.

They beat Farnham 31-27 in the SF - a game they weren't really expected to win. Guidfordians won their SF 80-19 !

Good luck to her and her teammates.

Watched the U18 festival and was surprised how poor the competition was 2 years ago there was some competiton to the French girls last year not so much. This year looks like a whitewash without the rain on day2 it is a scary gap. For those who did not watch over the 6 halves the French girls scored over 200 points and conceded 12.

Our U18 girls team finished 3rd in their pool (They are now in the playoffs)
They played a Canadian selection early in the season and the difference was very notable (shipped 50 points)
They are in the second division (Accès nationale U18 playing 15 a side) .

https://competitions.ffr.fr/competition ... ltats.html AS Corbeil Essonne/rc Mennecy

I don't think they will go far as Joué was in our pool last year and much stronger (our girls are 1 year older so it should be more of a contest) .

We've finally been given permission to hold an all girls training session at our club, once a month.

We are going to get the girls aged 7 - 12 together for some skills and games and if it goes well will open it out to girls from other girls to join. Can't believe it has been such a hassle, but nearly there.

Slick wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 9:40 am We've finally been given permission to hold an all girls training session at our club, once a month.

We are going to get the girls aged 7 - 12 together for some skills and games and if it goes well will open it out to girls from other girls to join. Can't believe it has been such a hassle, but nearly there.

Tichtheid wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 9:41 am

Slick wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 9:40 am We've finally been given permission to hold an all girls training session at our club, once a month.

We are going to get the girls aged 7 - 12 together for some skills and games and if it goes well will open it out to girls from other girls to join. Can't believe it has been such a hassle, but nearly there.

Still might end up at Haddington though (boo hiss)

Slick wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 9:40 am We've finally been given permission to hold an all girls training session at our club, once a month.

We are going to get the girls aged 7 - 12 together for some skills and games and if it goes well will open it out to girls from other girls to join. Can't believe it has been such a hassle, but nearly there.

It's really tough getting a girls section going. Our local club struggled early on and often had insufficient numbers for a decent training session, let alone a team - sometimes there's only be 5 or 6 turn up. They joined forces with another side to combine for training and matches. By then my elder Grand Daughter had moved on because she wanted to progress. Numbers are much better now and they can put out and u16 side on their own - that's where my younger Grand Daughter plays. That's over a period of 3-4 years - and lots of hard graft by the managers and coaches. It's now a thriving section.

This weekend we're taking our club on their tour. Well, it's an away fixture with overnight camping so may as well be a tour.

56 kids, from U5 to U13.

Managed to scratch together and get some kit made, a first for the club.

Ovals wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 9:54 pm

Slick wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 9:40 am We've finally been given permission to hold an all girls training session at our club, once a month.

We are going to get the girls aged 7 - 12 together for some skills and games and if it goes well will open it out to girls from other girls to join. Can't believe it has been such a hassle, but nearly there.

It's really tough getting a girls section going. Our local club struggled early on and often had insufficient numbers for a decent training session, let alone a team - sometimes there's only be 5 or 6 turn up. They joined forces with another side to combine for training and matches. By then my elder Grand Daughter had moved on because she wanted to progress. Numbers are much better now and they can put out and u16 side on their own - that's where my younger Grand Daughter plays. That's over a period of 3-4 years - and lots of hard graft by the managers and coaches. It's now a thriving section.

It is frustrating, especially because, imo, if clubs are not going to be really welcoming to girls they are going to be fucked in the medium term.

In huge fairness to the club, we have gone from a situation a year ago where girls were not even mentioned at the AGM to a development womens team, allowing us to pull together the minis and, apparently, looking for a paid female coach to oversee all of this.

assfly wrote: Thu Apr 24, 2025 5:24 am This weekend we're taking our club on their tour. Well, it's an away fixture with overnight camping so may as well be a tour.

56 kids, from U5 to U13.

Managed to scratch together and get some kit made, a first for the club.

That's brilliant, and mental, good luck.

PS. My trip to Nairobi has been postponed to later in the year sadly

No worries, I'll be around.

Ovals wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 9:54 pm

Slick wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 9:40 am We've finally been given permission to hold an all girls training session at our club, once a month.

We are going to get the girls aged 7 - 12 together for some skills and games and if it goes well will open it out to girls from other girls to join. Can't believe it has been such a hassle, but nearly there.

It's really tough getting a girls section going. Our local club struggled early on and often had insufficient numbers for a decent training session, let alone a team - sometimes there's only be 5 or 6 turn up. They joined forces with another side to combine for training and matches. By then my elder Grand Daughter had moved on because she wanted to progress. Numbers are much better now and they can put out and u16 side on their own - that's where my younger Grand Daughter plays. That's over a period of 3-4 years - and lots of hard graft by the managers and coaches. It's now a thriving section.

My little level 7 club are 15 or so years in thanks to some absolutely committed individuals and enlightened management though we lost some unenlightened old farts along the way
It took some establishing but we now have full squads plus extras at all age groups. Our u18s reached the last 8 of the national cup for the third year running, our u14s are unbeaten and county champions. Our honours board has 9 full women’s internationals on it including 4 of the current England squad.
Our girls section will overtake the boys in numbers next season
It’s an absolute no brainer for any club

SaintK wrote: Thu Apr 24, 2025 3:41 pm

Ovals wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 9:54 pm

Slick wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 9:40 am We've finally been given permission to hold an all girls training session at our club, once a month.

We are going to get the girls aged 7 - 12 together for some skills and games and if it goes well will open it out to girls from other girls to join. Can't believe it has been such a hassle, but nearly there.

It's really tough getting a girls section going. Our local club struggled early on and often had insufficient numbers for a decent training session, let alone a team - sometimes there's only be 5 or 6 turn up. They joined forces with another side to combine for training and matches. By then my elder Grand Daughter had moved on because she wanted to progress. Numbers are much better now and they can put out and u16 side on their own - that's where my younger Grand Daughter plays. That's over a period of 3-4 years - and lots of hard graft by the managers and coaches. It's now a thriving section.

My little level 7 club are 15 or so years in thanks to some absolutely committed individuals and enlightened management though we lost some unenlightened old farts along the way
It took some establishing but we now have full squads plus extras at all age groups. Our u18s reached the last 8 of the national cup for the third year running, our u14s are unbeaten and county champions. Our honours board has 9 full women’s internationals on it including 4 of the current England squad.
Our girls section will overtake the boys in numbers next season
It’s an absolute no brainer for any club

That's brilliant. Lots of work must have gone into that.

Just returned from the Stoop watching my Grand Daughter in the Quins under 18 Girls Cup final.

What a match ! Guildfordians took an early lead and looked very strong - they'd won all their games by huge margins so far in the Cup - Worthing equalised 7/7 after 20 mins but went behind again 5 mins before HT and were playing with their backs to the wall. A breakaway try from Half Way made the score level again and with the last play of the Half Worthing broke through to take a 21/14 HT lead.

2nd half saw Worthing put the opposition under constant pressure, eventually outflanking the defence and scoring another converted try. More pressure and after a series of 5m scrums Worthing buried over to take the lead 35/14. Guildford pulled one back with 5 mins to go but couldn't breach the Worthing defence again. Final score, an incredible 35/21 win for the underdogs.

Needless to say, one very happy Grand Daughter, Siblings, Parents and Grandparent. And she'll get to watch the game later as it was properly covered on Youtube

Very good attendance of several hundred at the game - and they made more noise than I've ever experienced at a game - my watch complained that it had gone beyond 100db

Ovals wrote: Fri Apr 25, 2025 9:51 pm Just returned from the Stoop watching my Grand Daughter in the Quins under 18 Girls Cup final.

What a match ! Guildfordians took an early lead and looked very strong - they'd won all their games by huge margins so far in the Cup - Worthing equalised 7/7 after 20 mins but went behind again 5 mins before HT and were playing with their backs to the wall. A breakaway try from Half Way made the score level again and with the last play of the Half Worthing broke through to take a 21/14 HT lead.

2nd half saw Worthing put the opposition under constant pressure, eventually outflanking the defence and scoring another converted try. More pressure and after a series of 5m scrums Worthing buried over to take the lead 35/14. Guildford pulled one back with 5 mins to go but couldn't breach the Worthing defence again. Final score, an incredible 35/21 win for the underdogs.

Needless to say, one very happy Grand Daughter, Siblings, Parents and Grandparent. And she'll get to watch the game later as it was properly covered on Youtube

Very good attendance of several hundred at the game - and they made more noise than I've ever experienced at a game - my watch complained that it had gone beyond 100db

Congrats all round, you must be rightfully proud.

Punter15 wrote: Fri Apr 25, 2025 10:31 pm

Ovals wrote: Fri Apr 25, 2025 9:51 pm Just returned from the Stoop watching my Grand Daughter in the Quins under 18 Girls Cup final.

What a match ! Guildfordians took an early lead and looked very strong - they'd won all their games by huge margins so far in the Cup - Worthing equalised 7/7 after 20 mins but went behind again 5 mins before HT and were playing with their backs to the wall. A breakaway try from Half Way made the score level again and with the last play of the Half Worthing broke through to take a 21/14 HT lead.

2nd half saw Worthing put the opposition under constant pressure, eventually outflanking the defence and scoring another converted try. More pressure and after a series of 5m scrums Worthing buried over to take the lead 35/14. Guildford pulled one back with 5 mins to go but couldn't breach the Worthing defence again. Final score, an incredible 35/21 win for the underdogs.

Needless to say, one very happy Grand Daughter, Siblings, Parents and Grandparent. And she'll get to watch the game later as it was properly covered on Youtube

Very good attendance of several hundred at the game - and they made more noise than I've ever experienced at a game - my watch complained that it had gone beyond 100db

Congrats all round, you must be rightfully proud.

Thanks - it was totally unexpected , everyone was stunned - we were worried they'd get mullered - all Guildford's previous games were 'called' early to prevent the score getting totally out of hand. Our Girls tackled their hearts out against a much bigger side. My Girl Openside Flanker) must have made around 20 tackles. Guildford appear to be the 'big' club in the tournament - reached both girls and boys finals and have loads of internationals/County players.

Ovals wrote: Fri Apr 25, 2025 9:51 pm Just returned from the Stoop watching my Grand Daughter in the Quins under 18 Girls Cup final.

What a match ! Guildfordians took an early lead and looked very strong - they'd won all their games by huge margins so far in the Cup - Worthing equalised 7/7 after 20 mins but went behind again 5 mins before HT and were playing with their backs to the wall. A breakaway try from Half Way made the score level again and with the last play of the Half Worthing broke through to take a 21/14 HT lead.

2nd half saw Worthing put the opposition under constant pressure, eventually outflanking the defence and scoring another converted try. More pressure and after a series of 5m scrums Worthing buried over to take the lead 35/14. Guildford pulled one back with 5 mins to go but couldn't breach the Worthing defence again. Final score, an incredible 35/21 win for the underdogs.

Needless to say, one very happy Grand Daughter, Siblings, Parents and Grandparent. And she'll get to watch the game later as it was properly covered on Youtube

Very good attendance of several hundred at the game - and they made more noise than I've ever experienced at a game - my watch complained that it had gone beyond 100db

A amazing! Huge congratulations to your grand daughter and proud grandad!!

Just leaving now for mini Murrayfield with my daughter for the Ireland game

Ovals wrote: Fri Apr 25, 2025 9:32 pm

SaintK wrote: Thu Apr 24, 2025 3:41 pm

Ovals wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 9:54 pm

It's really tough getting a girls section going. Our local club struggled early on and often had insufficient numbers for a decent training session, let alone a team - sometimes there's only be 5 or 6 turn up. They joined forces with another side to combine for training and matches. By then my elder Grand Daughter had moved on because she wanted to progress. Numbers are much better now and they can put out and u16 side on their own - that's where my younger Grand Daughter plays. That's over a period of 3-4 years - and lots of hard graft by the managers and coaches. It's now a thriving section.

My little level 7 club are 15 or so years in thanks to some absolutely committed individuals and enlightened management though we lost some unenlightened old farts along the way
It took some establishing but we now have full squads plus extras at all age groups. Our u18s reached the last 8 of the national cup for the third year running, our u14s are unbeaten and county champions. Our honours board has 9 full women’s internationals on it including 4 of the current England squad.
Our girls section will overtake the boys in numbers next season
It’s an absolute no brainer for any club

That's brilliant. Lots of work must have gone into that.

Some hugely dedicated people.
It's the jewel in our crown and helps attract a lot of sponsors

Ovals wrote: Fri Apr 25, 2025 9:51 pm Just returned from the Stoop watching my Grand Daughter in the Quins under 18 Girls Cup final.

What a match ! Guildfordians took an early lead and looked very strong - they'd won all their games by huge margins so far in the Cup - Worthing equalised 7/7 after 20 mins but went behind again 5 mins before HT and were playing with their backs to the wall. A breakaway try from Half Way made the score level again and with the last play of the Half Worthing broke through to take a 21/14 HT lead.

2nd half saw Worthing put the opposition under constant pressure, eventually outflanking the defence and scoring another converted try. More pressure and after a series of 5m scrums Worthing buried over to take the lead 35/14. Guildford pulled one back with 5 mins to go but couldn't breach the Worthing defence again. Final score, an incredible 35/21 win for the underdogs.

Needless to say, one very happy Grand Daughter, Siblings, Parents and Grandparent. And she'll get to watch the game later as it was properly covered on Youtube

Very good attendance of several hundred at the game - and they made more noise than I've ever experienced at a game - my watch complained that it had gone beyond 100db

Brilliant

Just saw our U18 girls score they lost but got close (in playoffs )

36 - 26 against Joué les Tours (a team that was a lot better than them last year)

https://competitions.ffr.fr/competition ... ltats.html

laurent wrote: Sat Apr 26, 2025 4:48 pm Just saw our U18 girls score they lost but got close (in playoffs )

36 - 26 against Joué les Tours (a team that was a lot better than them last year)

https://competitions.ffr.fr/competition ... ltats.html

Whoa, so there is a national title for youth clubs?

Niegs wrote: Wed Apr 30, 2025 3:00 pm

laurent wrote: Sat Apr 26, 2025 4:48 pm Just saw our U18 girls score they lost but got close (in playoffs )

36 - 26 against Joué les Tours (a team that was a lot better than them last year)

https://competitions.ffr.fr/competition ... ltats.html

Whoa, so there is a national title for youth clubs?

that's second division: Accession Top level is Nationale ...