In the 200th anniversary year of rugby playing, the 1st XV girl’s squad travelled to Rugby School on Saturday to play in a historic fixture that marked the first-ever match played between girls teams on the famous Close Pitch where William Webb Ellis first ran with the ball in a game that became known as rugby.
The Oundle squad are building towards Rosslyn Park National Sevens, and this was an opportunity to develop and grow as a group against a newly formed Rugby School team.
The running rugby on display from both teams was superb with the Oundle girls creating numerous opportunities with clever interplays that culminated in several tries. The girls defended fearlessly without conceding a try in the first half and after a dominant display, we began to introduce some of our less experienced players into the game to give them a taste of full match-intensity conditions.
It was great to see our hard work in training paying off as confidence levels grew over the afternoon: Eliza’s (W) speed and fast feet; Hilda’s (K) incredible jackling skills leading to an individual try; and Rosanna’s (D) breakdown work on the wing.
Overall, the afternoon was a great success for all involved, with the chance to develop skills and build confidence whilst making history for both schools. All the Oundle girls involved in the fixture have certainly contributed to the legacy of girls rugby in what was a memorable occasion.
Lucy (K)
