Rugby for Girls in Essex

2008-02-14T07:51:00.002Z

Well done to all the Essex County Girls who represented East Region in Yorkshire at the weekend.
It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for the two age groups with the U18's going down 28-5 and the U15's winning 25-5.

U18's
Nat McClarnon (Capt)
Sarah Carmen
Rachel French
Emily Scott
Cherelle Alphonse
Charlie Micallef

U15's
Jess Harris
Ellie Martin
Megan Robson
Alex Grant
Lucie Wood
Layla Pickering
Abbie Cook
Maddy Lockwood
Olivia Stembridge
Yasmin Pemberton

Congratulations to Abbie and Olivia who both scored tries on their Regional Debut.

T- Birds Recruiting now!!!

2008-01-29T21:25:00.000Z

Change of the Guard at RFUW

2008-01-24T09:06:00.000Z

January 24th, 2008

This appeared on the Eastern Counties Blog today, and I am sure Vincent would not object to a bit of cut and pasting to acknowledge the service of someone who has done wonders for the Ladies and Girls game in this country.

Most of us at grassroots level know little if anything of who does what amongst the senior management of the RFUW.Yesterday, a change was announced which is worth recording.
Carol Isherwood is stepping down as Director of Rugby.

Why is this important to us? Two reasons:
Firstly, it is worth recording the departure of one of the longest serving and most dedicated servants of women’s rugby. Isherwood was a founding member of the RFUW in 1983 (i.e long before many of those who read this site were born!).
Her profile on the RFUW site includes the following information:
As a founding member of the RFUW in 1983, Carol Isherwood also sat as its first secretary. From there, she was appointed to a number of volunteer board roles over the next 15 years. Her achievements in sport are many, from working for the Westminster City Council for 10 years as the Sports Development Manager, to being the first Captain of the Women’s Great Britain Squad (1986) and the Women’s England Squad (1987). Carol is also a Level 3 coach, and has coached Richmond (girls, second and first teams), the South Division, England Emerging and the England Squad (Assistant Coach). Carol was recently awarded an OBE (2003) for Services to Women’s Rugby.
The other reason this change is worth marking, is Carol’s prime responsibility to
Direct and manage strategies for the development and growth of women and girls rugby.
Organisations change as they grow, and the RFUW’s capacity to support junior grassroots rugby has evolved and improved very swiftly over the last few years.
Given that “The RFUW Board will be reviewing the current staffing structures before any further announcements”, her departure seems bound to have further implications for our area of the game.
We wish her all the very best in whatever she does next.

Regional Selections

2008-01-22T11:18:00.000Z

Congratulations to all the Essex Girls who attended trials for the East region on sunday at Coopers Coborn School in Upminster.
The standard of Rugby this year is higher than ever and the Coaches had a difficult task in selecting the final 26 to make up this years squad.

Regional U18's

Cherelle Alphonse. (Rochford Hundred RFC)
Sarah Carmen. (Rochford Hundred RFC)
Rachel French. (Rochford Hundred RFC)
Natalie McClarnon. (Basildon RFC)
Charlie Micalef. (Rochford Hundred RFC)
Sophie Russell. (Basildon RFC)
Emily Scott. (Basildon RFC)
India Harvey. (Westcliff RFC)
Keziah Hopkins. (Westcliff RFC)
Dannie Harris (Westcliff RFC)

Regional U15's

Abbie Cook (Rochford Hundred RFC)
Alex Grant (Basildon RFC)
Jess Harris (Basildon RFC)
Jess Wilkins (Rochford Hundred RFC)
Frances (Basildon RFC)
Madeleine Lockwood (Basildon RFC)
Ellie Martin (Rochford Hundred RFC)
Layla Pickering (Rochford Hundred RFC)
Megan (Basildon RFC)
Olivia Stembridge (Romford & Gidea Park RFC)
Lucie Wood (Basildon RFC)
Yasmin Pemberton (Rochford Hundred RFC)

Well done to all the girls.

Well Done Essex U15's

2007-12-04T11:34:00.000Z

This season the U15's produced some excellent rugby whilst playing in County Colours.

The Girls played 10 Games in total (5 of which were at the County Festival)

In those 10 games they suffered only 1 defeat which was against a well drilled Herts side.

This year the forwards have grown in stature, and in 99% of their games have totally dominated their opponents.
The Backs have shown that they can compete against anyone and on sheer pace and handling have left many opponents in their wake.

In their 10 games they have scored 235 points and only had 25 scored against them.

Results

Essex 51 Berkshire 5
Essex 10 Kent 5
Essex 51 Kent B 0
Essex 19 Eastern Counties 0
Essex 15 Middlesex 5
Essex 44 Leicestershire 0
Essex 0 Herts 10
Essex 10 Oxfordshire 0
Essex 17 Middlesex 0
Essex 36 Berkshire 0

Essex Squad 2007/8

Ellie Martin Rochford RFC
Jess Harris Basildon RFC
Alice Wright Basildon RFC
Megan Robson Basildon RFC Captain
Frances Hughes Basildon RFC
Alex Grant Basildon RFC
Layla Pickering Rochford RFC
Yasmin Pemberton Braintree RFC
Lucie Wood Basildon RFC
Jessica Wilkins Rochford RFC
Abbie Cook Rochford RFC
Maddy Lockwood Basildon RFC
Emma Dorrington Rochford RFC
Olivia Stembridge Romford RFC
Anna Roberts Westcliff RFC

Coach Pete Turner

Asst Coach Rebecca Howard

Asst Coach Phil Robson

Team Manager Tina Turner

Congratulations to all girls for your effort and performances this season.

Unfortunately the age banding means that this successful team has played its last game, as some of the girls move up to the U18's next season. Good Luck to those girls who move up to the U18's next season and good luck and keep up the good work to all those girls who will be carrying the U15's banner next season.

It has been a pleasure to work with you all at County this season

Thank you

Phil

Essex Programme Manager

Essex U15's @ Slough 2nd Dec 07

2007-12-04T10:35:00.000Z

On sunday, our U15's braved the weather to play a tri match against Berkshire and Middlesex.

Having already played both teams this season which resulted in wins for the Essex girls, they went into both games full of confidence despite missing 4 players through injury.

The first game against a middlesex side that had a back line full of pace started just as we wanted, the ball was kept tight in the forwards and their sheer power and technical ability soon showed. The Essex girls were dominant at the scrum and quickest to each breakdown and with the forwards continually pushing towards the middlesex line, it drew the middlesex players into some desperate defending, which opened up a gap in the defence for Alex to crash through to score 5-0.

The backs full of confidence were given quick ball of the back of the scrum and some superb handling saw the ball spread across to the wing where Jess Wilkins had overlapped to recieve the ball and run through to score the second try 10-0
Maddy duly put her conversion away 12-0.

Meg, lucie, Ellie and Alex in the forwards continually put hard tackles in on the middlesex players and kept the middlesex backs quiet for the whole game.

At the turn aroud, the sheer dominance of the Essex girls reduced middlesex to having to kick the ball upfield to try and get out of their own half as the Essex girls kept them pinned in their own 22 for the whole of the second half.

Alex and lucy combined to attack the Middlesex line and only some desperate defending stopped them crashing over, but a quick ball from the back of the ruck saw the backs spin the ball across the park where Abbie and Anna were waiting to run at the line. As they here held up on the line, Meg and Lucy crashed over to clear the defenders to allow Ellie to pick up and dive over for a try 17-o.

The ref blew up shortly after to end what was a terrific display or rugby from our youngsters.

In the 2nd Game the girls played against Berks, and with the weather turning colder and wetter the girls used their advantage in the pack to pressure the Berks defence which opened up gaps allowing the girls to run in 6 tries with Maddy converting 3.
Tries Jessica (3), Alex (2), Ellie
Cons Maddy (3)

Well done to all girls, and lets hope Abbies shoulder heals quickly.

Essex U18's V Berkshire U18's

2007-12-04T10:30:00.000Z

Sunday 2nd December 2007

In very windy and wet conditions, Berkshire kicked off and the Essex girls immediately took the initiative and made their way into the Berkshire 20m zone, where they set up camp and refused to leave, despite every attempt that Berkshire made to clear the danger. There came a series of scrums, (I lost count after 7!), in which the Essex pack showed their dominance, only for ‘knock on’s to occur before Essex could try to get the ball over the line – mainly due to the difficult conditions, but Berkshires stout defence was also forcing some of the errors. The deadlock was broken when the Essex forwards formed a ruck on the 5m line, and Frenchie picked the ball up and ran through a defender to score a typical flankers try 5 -0.
From the kick off, Berkshire came on the attack – producing some big tackles on the Essex girls, and trying to force their way into Essex territory. An Essex player was sent to the bin for 10 minutes for an un-intentional incident, but this just seemed to fire the Essex girls up – down to 14 girls, the scrum was very effective and Essex pressed forward. After the binned payer came back on, Essex carried on pressing forward, and at least three try scoring chances went begging due to ‘the final pass’ not being given early enough, and the half ended with Essex having the majority of the territory, but just 1 try on the board.
Essex kicked off the second half and as you would expect, Berkshire made some in-roads to the Essex half. But the Essex girls were in no mood to let anything through, and were very quick to spot where Berkshire were going to attack – always putting in tackles to stop the momentum before it had time to build. The next Essex score came from a scrum within Essex’s own half – Essex won the ball and the forwards moved it forward in a series of rucks and mauls. It was then passed out to the backs where three passes later, it found Danni, who ran around the last Berkshire defender to score in the corner 10 – 0
There then followed a period of play where neither team could make much headway, centred around the half way line. A Berkshire player went down with an injury which caused the game to be halted for 6 or 7 minutes. (We wish her the very best with her recovery.)
After the restart, Essex again won the territory battle and there followed a try by Sarah Carmen (pick and drive from ruck 5m out) 15 – 0, and then another from Charlie (forwards drive) to make the final score 20 – 0.

Final score: Essex 20 Berkshire 0

The coaches want me to pass on their thanks to ALL of the girls within the Essex U18 squad, for what has been a absolutely fantastic County season – and they hope that many of you will go on to be successful in the Regional programme which starts in January.

match report courtesy of your intrepid reporter Phil (Clark Kent) French

Essex Festival 2007/8

2007-11-19T20:07:00.000Z

Sunday 18th November 07

Last weekend saw the 2nd Annual Festival played at Harlow RFC.

A special Thanks is to go to Alan Brooking,Chris McFerren, Alan Webb and all the staff at Harlow Rugby Club for organising a terrific days rugby.
Kelly and the ladies section for a superb job as pitch marshalls despite suffering frostbite.
Linda and the girls in the Kitchens for the food and hot drinks throughout the day.
Alex Fleming the overworked Physio,
Ken & Callem Potter for getting up early to set up the pitches and marshalling points.

Last but not least Tony McClarnon, Paula Bates and Tina Turner whos tireless work in getting the thing off the ground didnt go unnoticed.

And all the coaches, girls and parents who braved the weather to ensure the day was a success.

U15's

The Essex girls started the day full of confidence following the back to back wins against Kent and Berkshire in the previous county fixtures.

The day started well with a 19-0 victory against Eastern Counties who put up a stirling display for what was a relatively new squad of players.

Scorers: Tries Alex (2) Abbie (1) Cons: Yasmin (2)

The 2nd Game against Middlesex saw the girls come up against a team with some pace out on the wings and only some resulute defending in the opening exchanges stopped Middlesex from opening up a lead.
The forwards soon started to control the game and it wasnt long before the 1st try came from Yas. This spured on the girls who soon opened up a 15-0 lead.
However a momentary lapse out on the wing, allowed a middlesex player to race through and touch down.
Final Score 15-5

Tries Yasmin, Lucie, Abbie.

The 3rd game was against unknown Leicestershire, however the girls quickly settled into their stride and with the forwards dominating at scrums and the breakdown, it wasnt long before Alex opened the scoring with the first of her two tries. Not to be out done, Abbie and Anna both grabbed a brace each before Lucie and Jessica added one apiece.
Final Score 44-0

Tries: Alex (2), Abbie(2), Anna(2) Lucie and Jessica
Cons Yasmin (2).

Going into the 4th Game, Essex and Herts both had maximum points and the winner would almost be certain to lift the trophy .
Both sets of girls know each other well from club and regional rugby, and the game started at a terrific pace.
Both sets of forwards refused to give an inch and the game at half time was finely balanced.
Towards the end of the 1st half, an Essex penalty on the Herts 5m line looked like it would be the opening score, but some excellent defense from the Herts girls withheld the onslaught and cleared the danger.
The game swung Herts way when a clever dummy from Claire gave her an opening to go outside the defense and go over in the corner 0-5.
Again both teams were evenly matched and as the minutes ticked away, another break from Herts gave them their 2nd try of the game.
Final Score 0-10.

The last game for the girls saw them up against Oxford and having to win and hoping Herts slipped up against middlesex.
Although cold,tired and understrength due to injuries in the previous game, the girls were too strong for the Oxford girls and two well worked tries gave them a 10-0 victory. Thanks to Herts for the loan of the 3 girls who played as our front row following the loss of 4 players in the previous game due to injury.

It was a terrific days rugby all round, and Herts were worthy champions for the 2nd year running.
The respect and friendship that has grown between Essex and Herts can only serve to make East a formidable force to be reckoned with in the coming Regional programme.

Here's to next year when we want our trophy back.

Congratulations to all the girls who played some excellent rugby and did themselves, their coaches, clubs and county proud.

Essex County Festival U15's Champions Hertfordshire
Runners Up Essex

Essex Squad

1 Frances
2 Jess
3 Alice
4 Megan
5 Lucie
6 Alex
7 Layla
8 Yasmin
9 Jessica
10 Abbie
11 Olivia
12 Madeleine
13 Emma (Mouse)
14 Anna

U18's

Before starting with the match reports, huge congratulations must be given to all the organisers and volunteers, who through their un-stinting efforts made the festival an extremely enjoyable and successful day.

Without their efforts, these events would not take place, and I know that all the girls, from all the County sides, want to say a massive thank you.

The day started cold – and remained that way(!), but at least forecast rain/sleet/snow held off until the last game of the day, leading to some excellent rugby being played.

The first game for the Essex girls was against Eastern Counties, with the girls from Suffolk/Norfolk/Cambridgeshire kicking off into a stiff breeze. From the start, the Essex girls took the initiative and pressed forward, with the impressive Essex pack leading the way. The Eastern Counties side put up some stout defence, but Essex were pressing the attack at all opportunities. The scoring was opened when Kes received the ball in her own half, gave a couple of steps and turned on the pace to sprint fully 55m to score near the corner 5 – 0.
Following the kick off, and a couple of passes, Danni also showed her pace to score virtually from the restart with another blistering run 10 - 0
Essex kept up the pressure, and the Eastern Counties girls were gradually driven back towards their line, with Essex knocking on 5m out. From the resulting scrum, the Essex forwards again showed their strength, winning the ball against the head, and Scotty (scrum half) ran in to score the third Essex try 15 – 0.
Half time came and went with Essex still taking the game to their opponents – the forwards were now dominating the scrums, and providing a fantastic platform for the backs to work off. This allowed India to be on the receiving end of a good passing move, and she duly obliged by scoring with ease. 20 – 0.
The Eastern Counties girls rallied, but Essex were in no mood to ship any points and their defence was as good as their attacking play, with all the girls covering any move made by the opposition.
Late in the game, Danni was again the beneficiary of a great passing move and went over to score her second try to bring the game to a close 25 – 0.

Final score: Essex 25 Eastern Counties 0

Next up for Essex were Leicestershire – an unknown quantity as the Counties had not met in recent history – and they proved to be a tight, well drilled, physical side. Again Essex dominated territory from the start and applied the pressure through the whole team. The Leicestershire girls put in some excellent defensive play, but India managed to score after a period of sustained Essex pressure 5 – 0.
Play resumed with Essex attacking, and Leicestershire defending. The Essex pack were starting to have their way in the scrum, and the backs always looked dangerous. After a couple of scrums, Natalie managed to power over the line for the second Essex try 10 – 0 at half time.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first, with Leicestershire making some big defensive tackles to keep the Essex girls at bay, but following a tap penalty 10m from the Leicestershire line, Natalie again powered over the line for her second of the match 15 – 0.
The score line didn’t reflect the excellent effort that the Leicestershire girls put into the game – well done – and it would be nice for the two counties to meet each other on another opportunity.

Final score: Essex 15 Leicestershire 0

The final game of the day for the Essex girls was a ‘winner takes all’ match up with their rivals from neighbouring Hertfordshire. The girls play a lot of club rugby against each other, and then form a large portion of the East Region representative side, so they know each other very well, and everyone was looking forward to a great match – and we weren’t disappointed.
From the outset, both teams played some excellent attacking rugby, combined with some excellent defensive rugby, culminating in a game mainly centred between the two 20m lines. As Essex tried to find a way through, the Hertfordshire girls shut the door firmly in their faces, and the Essex girls put in some great tackles whenever Hertfordshire looked like finding the telling pass. It was going to take something special to break the deadlock – and Essex found the move late on in the first half. Kes managed to step her marker and made a break out of her own half. Wonderful supporting play from the Essex girls resulted in Natalie offloading the ball from contact to Frenchie, who ran a great line to score from 10m out. 5 – 0 at half time.
With a game as tight as this, the Essex girls showed some maturity by playing for territory during the second half. With a great display of kicking for touch, combined with not giving an inch when Hertfordshire attacked, the Essex girls ran down the clock to successfully defend their title.
Congratulations and commiserations must be given to the Hertfordshire girls who gave Essex a run throughout the whole game – lets hope the Essex and Hertfordshire girls, combined with the Eastern Counties girls combine after Christmas into an awesome East Region side.

Final score: Essex 5 Hertfordshire 0

Essex County Festival U18 Champions Essex
Runners-up Hertfordshire

And finally, a message of thanks for all the players, from all the Counties, who made the day worthwhile with excellent displays of rugby – the future looks very bright indeed!!

Phil French Ace Reporter Daily Bugle

Basford Girls Easter Tour 08

2007-11-16T22:08:00.000Z

Girls

Having been in touch with Mandy at the Yorkshire RFUW, we can now confirm that our Easter tour will be to the North East, and in particulatr the scenic coastline around Whitby.

The dates are the 21st to 24th March inc and the plan is to stay at a local youth Hostel for 3 nights and to play games on the Saturday and sunday against local teams.

More information will be posted in due course, in the mean time put your thinking heads on to come up with this years theme.

Ideas so far
Gavin Village People
Gavin Super Hero's
Gavin Any thing where he can dress up in spandex and tights.

Simon and Myself will be voting for a scooby doo theme ( cos we have the gear)!!!!!!

So get thinking the best idea wins a ???????????????????

Phil

Essex U15's v Kent

2007-11-05T20:45:00.000Z

Sunday 4th November 07

Last Sunday saw the 2nd County Game of the season take place at Rochford Rugby Club

We were pleased to welcome Kent to Rochford, and the girls were hoping for a reversal of fortunes after last seasons defeat to Kent.

From the off, the game was played at a terrific pace with both teams playing some excellent rugby.
No quarter was given by either side with some big tackles being made across the park.

Kent took the lead after some poor handling by the Essex side allowed them to break through the normally robust defense for Iona Todd to touch down. 5-0

The Girls kept on playing to their game plan, and the forwards continued to make in roads into the Kent half of the park.
Following yet another turn over at the scrum, the ball was fed to mouse who pulled a perfect pass to Abby out on the wing who then raced through the Kent defence to touch down. 5-5, although the conversion was pulled wide the girls now had the upper hand.

The forwards were dominating the scrum with some excellent play by Ellie, Jess and Frances in the front row with Meg and Lucie providing that push from second row. Alex as usual was ever alert and quick of the back of the scrum to support Jessica at scrum half.
It would be fair to say that up to the moment when Frances went off injured we were totally in control of the scrum.
Having lost Frances, we had to revert to uncontested scrums due to the lack of an experienced prop, and our physical advantage went along with frances.

The backs were seeing plenty of ball throughout the game and some strong running and tackling kept Kent at bay.
Maddy playing her first game at full back had the safest hands on the pitch and continually ran at the Kent side whenever she got a chance.
The support play from Layla, Yasmin and Olivia in the centre allowed the girls to mount another attack on the Kent line and some deft handling from Ellie, Meg and Lucie fed the ball to Alex who broke through to go over for the 2nd and what proved to be the winning try. 10-5.

Kent did not give up and a mistake by the Essex girls from a scrum gave Iona Todd from Kent the opportunity to run at the line for what would have been an equalising try. However a deft little tap tackle on the ankle of Iona by Yasmin caused her to stumble forward and spill the ball.
The referee deciding that there wasnt time to scrum down, blew the whistle to bring to an end a fantastic display of rugby and a well deserved win for the Essex Girls.

After a brief respite, the girls took to the field again to play against a Kent Development side who had travelled over with their A team.
Although the first game had taken its toll on the girls, with Frances being unable to carry on and Anna having to leave early, the girls played on against 13man Kent with 12 players, but proved far too strong for their opponents and ran out eventual winners 51-0.

A big thanks to Kent for coming over today to give the Girls what was undoubtedly the hardest game they had faced this season.

Essex Squad

Megan (Capt), Ellie, Alex, Jess H, Frances,Lucie, Jessica, Yasmin, Layla, Olivia, Mouse, Maddy, Abby, and Anna.

Tries: Abby, Alex 10-5

Tries: Lucie (2), Alex(2), Jessica, Layla, Mouse, Abbie(2)

Cons: Yasmin (3) 51-0

Well done to all those girls.

Basford U18's v Worthing

2007-10-29T20:24:00.000Z

Sunday 28th October 2007

Overcast, grey, damp and showers – much more like the weather we come to expect when playing and watching rugby!

Rochford were pleased to welcome the girls and coaches from Worthing RFC for this first meeting of the clubs outside of the Worthing 10’s Festival – the Basford girls really appreciate the long journey made by Worthing and hope they enjoyed the day.

The game was played with 14 a side, with Worthing taking the kick off to start the game. Basford immediately started to press forward and took the ball into the Worthing half. Unfortunately, an intercepted pass led to the Worthing no 12 making the most of her pace, and she streaked away for the first score of the game with the Basford girls left for dead. An excellent kick took the extra points and Worthing led 0 – 7.
Going behind seemed to spur the Basford girls on and after two tries being ‘held up’ by some great Worthing defence, Sophie managed to get the ball down for the first Basford score 5 – 7.
A period of play between the 20m lines followed until the Basford forwards showed their dominance, pressing forward until Natalie managed to break the Worthing defence to score 10 – 7.
Basford continued to press forward through their pack, with the Basford ‘wing prop’ Sarah C making a storming run with three defenders hanging onto her! Some excellent Worthing defence led to another three opportunities being ‘held up’, until Sophie again, running from scrum half, managed to score her second 15 – 7, which was promptly followed by her hat trick (Cheers for the jug Dom!) 20 – 7 at half time.

The second half started with Worthing again being quicker out the blocks and providing the first score of the half 20 – 12.
Again this spurred the Basford girls on, and they pressed forward winning a penalty on the Worthing 20m line. The ball came out to the backs, with Frenchie making a good run up to the 5m line. The ball eventually came out to Shivy who crossed the line for a Basford score 25 – 12.
Basford continued to dominate territory and following a line-out on the 5m line, Natalie run in to score her second 30 – 12.
The Basford girls then produced the best move of the game – just outside their own 20m, Charlie took the ball in to contact, gave a great off-load to Frenchie who ran 35m, popped the ball to Sarah C, who then gave the ball for Natalie to score her hat trick (Cheers for the jug Tony!) – a great move and a great try 35 – 12.
Having done it once, Basford repeated the feat with another great move that led to Sarah C scoring a much deserved try, to make the final score 40 – 12.

Again, many thanks to Worthing for making the journey, and well done to the Worthing girls for putting up such stout resistance – we all hope that the player who had to be carried off after being injured in the last tackle of the game makes a speedy recovery. We look forward to meeting you all again later in the season.

Final result: Rochford / Basildon 40 – Worthing RFC 12.

Basford U15's v Worthing 28th October

2007-10-28T18:03:00.000Z

Despite the weather turning just before kick off, the U15's today put on an excellent display of team rugby.

We were pleased to welcome Worthing along to Rochford today and although we had taken part in their annual 10's Tournament for the past two years, we had never actually come up against them in a game.

We also welcomed two new players into the team today, Jessica (Clacton) and Olivia(Romford).
It would seem that word of the U15's ability is spreading, and we are starting to attract new players from around the county.

With the surface being greasy and the continuous drizzle making handling difficult the forwards played a tight game, keeping the ball in the pack and driving towards the Worthing line.Once the forwards had gained the territorial advantage, the ball was swiftly fed to the backs who ran in 12 tries to set up a convincing win over their opponents.The backs making use of the width of the pitch ran at spaces in the Worthing defense time and time again, and only some stirling defense by Worthing stopped the girls running up an even bigger score.The traffic was not all one way and only some excellent defending meant that the girls again kept a clean sheet.Well done to all the girls today it was a terrific performance from all of you.

Team
Megan (C)
Ellie
Mouse
Alex
Frances
Jessica
Yasmin
Layla
Maddy
Lucie
Abby
Olivia

Scorers
Tries: Layla(2), Ellie(2), Frances, Yasmin, Maddy, Lucie(2), Jessica(2), Olivia
Cons: Lucie (2) Yasmin(5)

Well done to all a terrific team display.

This was a nice warm up for next weeks county game against Kent which as we know from last year will be a hard fought game.

Basford Girls retain TDG places.

2007-10-04T18:31:00.000+01:00

U18 Talent Development Group (TDG) 2007/08
The RFUW have announced its 2007/08 Talent Development Group, who were selected following nomination by their Regional Coaches to the High Performance Academy’s held this summer.
The Under 18 TDG of 35 includes players, 3 of which are Basildon/Rochford Players. 2 Basildon Players, Emily Scott and Sophie Russell, have been re-selected and they have been joined this Season by teammate Natalie McClarnon. The TDG will participate in sessions held both nationally and locally throughout the season.
The TDG focuses on individual player and athletic development through core rugby skills and by providing players with an understanding and knowledge of the requirements to play rugby at the highest level.
Whilst not all players involved with the TDG will progress to present England in future years, the RFUW performance staff anticipate that the TDG will prove to be a high quality, player centred environment from which future world class international players progress and develop.

County Training

2007-09-24T22:09:00.000+01:00

Sunday 30th Sept 07

County training is to be held this coming sunday at Thurrock Rugby Club.

The session is for both the U15's &U18's

Training starts at 1pm sharp.

Please let your team Manager know if you are unable to attend.

County Festival

2007-09-15T16:39:00.001+01:00

ESSEX COUNTY RFUW UNDER 18 AND UNDER 15 TOURNAMENT

Essex County RFUW Committee would like to extend an invitation to you all to attend the Essex RFUW Under 18 and Under 15 County Tournament.

The tournament will be held on 18.11.07 at Harlow RFC, kick off at 10.00am for a full days display of great rugby

We are hoping to have 5/6 counties playing at both age groups.

Please come along to support Essex and watch a fantastic day of rugby.
We look forward to seeing you all there.

Basildon & Rochford Girls Rugby

2007-09-04T21:24:00.000+01:00

As the new Season is now upon us, we have decided to set up a new blog dedicated to the Basford Girls.

This current blog will continue as an unofficail advertisment for girls rugby in Essex so please send in your match reports, pictures or any thing that you would like published.
It is there for you to use to promote your club.

To view the new site dedicated to the Basildon and Rochford Girls please click on the link to the right or go to http://basfordgirlsrugby.blogspot.com

Romford Ravens make winning start to season

2007-09-04T20:43:00.001+01:00

Ravens WIN Ashford Tournament
The Ravens started the 07/08 season by winning the Ashford tournament. Beating hosts Ashford in a very exciting final 19-17. Playing the 1st half into the wind Ravens found themselves 12-0 down. But forward power, combining with the electric back line and sought to overcome their valiant opponents.Lucy COWELL was pleased to receive the trophy in her first game as the new captain.

Essex Senior Ladies

2007-07-14T17:18:00.000+01:00

Please note the following and pass the information on to anyone you think may be interested.

Qualification for playing for Essex is living, playing or born in Essex.

The Essex Senior Women's Trial is on 9th Sept as scheduled At Romford and Gidea Park RFC. 1pm, registration start at 2pm.

Then training Sat 15 + 22 Sep 10 am - 12:30 prior to the Essex game on 30th.
Next training Sat 6 + 13 Oct 10am - 12:30 prior to Essex game on 21st.
Next training Sat 3 + 10 Nov 10am - 12;30 prior to the Essex game on 18th

All training will be held at Romford and Gidea Park RFC.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact Chris Emerson on Mobile 07775 635920 FAX 01375 406662

Clacton Beach Festival

2007-07-02T22:24:00.000+01:00

A big thanks to Andrew and the team for making last weekend such an enjoyable one.

Despite the weather, the Clacton Beach Festival was a great success.

Around 24 teams braved the rain to have fun and take part in a great days rugby.

Our own teams from Basford, didnt do too bad, with the U17 "Basford Bags" (aided by Joe and Gary) winning the bowl competition.

The U14 "Basford Babes" won the spoon competition, however the old boys "Basford Bombers" lived up to their name and "bombed out in the plate semi final.

Basford Babes Megan, Yasmin, Alice, Layla, Alex, Kat, Splat, Master Toby, Jackie

Basford Bags Natalie, Sarah C, Cherelle, Sarah MCB, Sam, Gemma, Gary, Joe, Sophie, Emily

Basford Bombers Gavin, Simon, Paul, Mark, Dominic, Darren, Peter, Phil,

Despite the weather, many of our intrepid bunch braved the elements and camped for the weekend near Colchester.

A big thanks to Darren and Paula for organising the camping and to Pete and Tina for the food over the weekend.

Pete the BBQ'S were ACE.

Chelmsford Rugby Club

2007-07-02T22:07:00.000+01:00

Chelmsford Rugby club are actively recruiting for their girls and Ladies section.

Give them a call or drop in.

Help put another Essex club on the map.

Essex Training

2007-07-01T21:08:00.000+01:00

Apologies, due to the onset of dementia (or just plain old age) I inadvertantly put the training down to be held at Thurrock as last year.
We are however possibly travelling along the A127 to Romford this year.
I will keep you posted over the next week or so and then finalise times and location.

Rochford Festival 2007

2007-06-27T20:49:00.000+01:00

As the new season approaches, now is the time to register your interest in the Annual Rochford Festival.

The festival which aside from providing a great days rugby for many girls, also raises a lot of money for worthwhile causes. This year the chosen charity is the "Little Havens Hospice".

.........................................................................................

Rochford Hundred U18’s girl’s 10’s and U15’s 7’s
Charity festival

We would like to invite you to play in our fourth charity 10’s & 7’s festival, last year’s festival was a great success and we hope you can join us this season to make it an even greater success.

It is to be held on Sunday 14th October.

We would envisage that the under 18’s should play five fourteen minute games, these to be played in accordance with the under 18 girls laws for season 2007/2008. There will be no overage players allowed to take part.

The under 15’s will be played in accordance with the under 15’s laws for season 2007/2008. Hopefully the U15’s will follow a similar format.

Even if you do not have a full squad please contact us as we may be able to put you in touch with another team in the same situation or form a barbarian squad. So everybody gets a chance to play rugby.

We are also trying to get an U12’s game arranged for the same day, So if you have any please let me know.

All we ask for is a donation of £25 for a full team, per age group, or £3 a participant if you do not have a full squad. This is to go to this years selected charity, which is LITTLE HAVENS CHILDRENS HOSPICE Charity No 2805007

Please contact Tina to register an interest on 01268 691409 or email her at tina@rugbyturners.plus.com

There is only space for twelve teams, in each age group, so register asap.

Essex Training / Trials

2007-06-27T19:26:00.000+01:00

As the new season is fast approaching ( well Pre season training anyway) we now have the proposed dates for the County Calender.

Please make a note of the dates in your diaries.

Youth Section (U15's &U18's)

20th August ( TBA)

7.15 for 7.30 start. Initial Trial session 1.5 hrs approx

9th Sept (TBA)

Time to be advised. Final Trials 2 hrs approx

17th Sept (TBA)

7.15 for 7.30 Start. Full training session. 1.5 hrs approx

30th Sept (TBA)

Time to be advised. Full Training session. 2hrs approx

15th October (TBA)

7.15 for 7.30 start. Full training session. 1.5 hrs approx

21st October
County Fixture to be confirmed

4th November
County Fixture to be confirmed

18th November
County Festival (Venue to be confirmed)

2nd December
County fixture to be confirmed

County trials are open to all players regardless of whether they are a member of a rugby club player or a member of a school team.

If you require any further information, please contact either
Chris Emerson 07775 635920
Phil Robson 07783 402214

Senior Squad

As with the Junior section, trials will be held on the 9th Sept. the venue for the trials will be announced shortly.

Senior Games will be played on a League basis and will consist of games over 3 weekends.

30th Sept Venue to be confirmed (this will be an Away fixture)

21st October Venue to be confirmed (This will be a Home fixture)

18th November Venue to be confirmed (This will be an away fixture)

Further information will be posted as soon as the other counties are on board.

As with the Youth section, please contact either Chris or Phil for any further information.

Student Life.

2007-06-18T13:13:00.000+01:00

Young Joe, our dear friend from across the border in Letchworth is rumoured to be trying to have a go at student life. (Typical should get a job and stop sponging off us Taxpayers)

Any way to help him settle in we have been doing some research on Quality Eating Establishments and menus.

Having canvassed many other drop outs we have come up with a suitable menu that will sustain him throughout his layabout years.

For the more discerning student

For the student with rich parents

Sophisticated Beans for those on a student date ( works well with Lidl brand Bacardi Breezers)

How to serve beans (for those who have had mummy doing everything for them up till now)

Also cheap beer (funded by us hard working tax payers) in some dive of a student bar.

Charlies Angels at East Dinner Dance

2007-06-18T11:26:00.000+01:00

Charlies Angels

well strictly speaking Gavin's Angels

East Region Presentation Night

2007-06-17T16:23:00.000+01:00

A sample of pics from friday night.

Please send in any pics you may have and we will get them on to the blog.

East Region Annual Presentation

2007-06-17T16:00:00.000+01:00

Last friday saw the East girls swap shorts and shirts for ball gowns to attend the Annual East Region Dinner Dance and Presentation night.
The event held in Kings Lynnn was organised by Malcolm Baker who did a fantastic job of ensuring the night was a huge success.
A big thank you goes to Malcolm from all in East for all his hard work in getting the evening arranged.

Special guest this year to present the awards was Maggie Alphonsi IRB Womens Rugby Player of the Year 2006.

Prize Winners
Manager / Coach of the Year Steve Savory (Sudbury & Saracens)
Club of the Year Basildon & Rochford (Basford)
County of the Year Essex
Senior Player of the Year Maggie Alphonsi (Saracens &England)
U17's Player of the Year Natalie McClarnon (Basford)
U14's Player of the Year Megan Robson (Basford)
Unsung Hero of the Year Tina Turner (Basford)
Volunteer of the Year Phil Robson (Basford)
Outstanding Achievement Becky Roby (Fullarians)
Services to Womens Rugby Vincent Acheson (Eastern Counties)

A special award was presented to Malcolm Baker for his tireless commitment to Womens Rugby by Alan Brown.

Congatulations to all those nominees and prize winners.

Essex Girls 2006-7

2007-06-08T12:20:00.000+01:00

This last season has been a good one for the girls in Essex whether it be at Club, County or Regional level.D

Despite intense rivalries at club level, the girls come together in County colours and have played some superb rugby over 5 games.

Many of the girls then went on to represent East Region later in the season and enjoyed mixed success at the two age groups.

With the changes to the Age Band Review it will give both age groups that extra time together to improve and progress.

Well done to all those girls who participared in the County Program and Good Luck for the coming season.

Romford Ravens

2007-06-05T21:58:00.000+01:00

We have news of another blog from our neighbours down the A127 in Romford.

to access their site go to links and click on Romford ravens.

SEEVIC College Ladies Rugby

2007-06-05T21:50:00.000+01:00

SEEVIC College has had a college team for a number of years and this year they made quite an impact in college rugby.

The College entered the National Schools 7s, held at Rosslyn Park RFC a huge event. Entering for the first time the ladies made it through to the quarter finals a huge tribute to all who took part. Some of the players were converted basketball players, some footballers and some who are hardcore rugby players. By the end of the two day event all the players could hold their heads high and declare themselves as rugby players, committed, enthusiastic and with great team spirit.

SEEVIC only had one defeat in the Regional play offs, which was against a West Norfolk College team, the only other college team in East Region, this ensured that the West Norfolk team would go on to represent the East Region in Loughborough for the National Tournament.. However West Norfolk took note of some of the SEEVIC talent and asked several of the SEEVIC girls to join them for the National Tournament and two talented players from SEEVIC went on to play at Loughborough. These two players were Lauren Searles and Kat Emerson. The West Norfolk side with the assistance from the SEEVIC players went on to win a bronze medal at the prestigious event.

SEEVIC also had 3 players selected to play for the England Under 19 Colleges team. A tremendous honour and great for the players involved as they had the opportunity to be coached by some ex England players. The 3 players were Lauren Searles, Charlotte Micallef and Kat Emerson. The girls went on to represent England against Wales.

The final event of the college season took place in Hampshire, a large inter College competition against Colleges from all over the Country. Having developed the team spirit and had some excellent coaching from the SEEVIC, the girls had moved forward with dramatic effect and came away as tournament gold medallists. They beat opposition that they had previously lost to in the National 7s and had shown Colleges around the country that SEEVIC are a team moving forward.

Well done SEEVIC players and staff for a successful year.

New Look

2007-06-04T21:15:00.001+01:00

I have tried a few different schemes but settled on this for now, let me know what you think.
Nothing is finalised yet!!!

Essex RFUW

2007-06-04T20:23:00.000+01:00

Following this years AGM held at Chelmsford Rugby Club on the 14th May, we have pleasure in confirming the new look committee and coaching staff for the coming season.

CBRDP Appointed Officers 2007/2008

Essex County Coaching Coordinator – Mr. Chris Emerson
Seniors Lead Coach – Dean White
Seniors Coach - Sean McCann
Seniors Coach - Gerry Mills
U18 Lead Coach – Gavin Scott
U18 Coach – Tony McClarnon
U18 Coach – Chris Spooner
U15 Lead Coach – Peter Turner
U15 Coach – Rebecca Burton-Howard
Essex County Programme Manager – Phil Robson
Senior Team Manager – Mrs. Chris Emerson
U18 Team Manager – Paula Bates
U15 Team Manager – Tina Turner

Election of Essex County Committee Officers 2007/2008
(Returned or elected unopposed)
Chair – Mrs. Chris Emerson
Secretary – Paula Bates
Treasurer – Samantha Irvine
Kit Manager – Darren Coomer

County Rugby 2007-8

2007-06-04T20:02:00.000+01:00

The inaugural 2007-08 Essex girls coaching meeting was held last week.

This year has seen the introduction of a new U18 coaching team of Gavin Scott, Tony McClarnon & Chris Spooner overseen by Mr Chris Emerson.

The team brings a wealth of coaching experience and aims to build on the success of last year and create an elite Essex U18 Girls County squad where we can concentrate on taking the team’s performance to the next level. Having a 3 man team will enable us to focus upon individual skills, tactics and techniques associated with positional play as well as perfecting unit skills and teaching the squad the subtles of the game.We aim to create a highly competitive environment where not only are the players competing to get in the squad but are aslo competing to get in the match squad and starting 15.Last year saw 11 of the nominated 15 Essex trialists from the clubs of Basildon, Rochford, Westcliff, Harlow, and Uttlesford get into the East Region squad with 2 of the Squad in Emily Scott and Sophie Russell getting through to the RFUW National top thirty Talent Development Group (TDG).A draft training plan has been agreed with specific dates for trails, training and matches this will be circulated with times, dates and venues in due course.All girls are welcome as this is the first step on the RFUW elite pathway to England representation.

The U15's next year will also have a new coaching team, headed by Peter Turner, with assistance from Rebecca Burton-Howard and Phil Robson.
As with the U18's the emphasis will be on player development and improving on last years performances.
The team abley led by Peter will be aiming to focus on individual skills, techniques and tactics in what will be the first year where this squad will begin contested scrummaging.
As with the U18's the younger girls last year also had their share of success with 11 of the squad making the East Region squad, with 6 of these girls going forward to TID trials for the new Schools of Rugby starting this coming September.
Training for the U15's will follow that of the U18's and both squads will train together each month.

The Essex Senior ladies also have a new line up of Coaches for the coming season with the following people bringing their vast experience to the cause
Seniors Lead Coach – Dean White
Seniors Coach - Sean McCann
Seniors Coach - Gerry Mills

Watch this space for details of trial dates and training information.

Rugby Matters Photo's

2007-06-04T13:38:00.000+01:00

Following the recent Herts 7's and National 7's there are gallleries of pictures available to view at http://www.rugbymatters.net

Around 200 photos in all, covering both the U14 U17 and Senior competitions, including pretty much every team that took part.

Details of how to order photos is available on the Rugby matters site.

Have a look it is well worth it!!!!

New Look Blog

2007-06-03T17:27:00.000+01:00

Ladies,

From today, this Blog becomes our Unofficial Essex RFUW site and is there to raise the profile of Girls & Womens Rugby in our County.

Unfortunately certain smallminded people did not appear to like the fact that the old blog showed the County logo or used the Essex "Anthem" in its title. The new title and the omision of a logo puts paid to their petty complaints.

Another critisism was that it appeared biased towards 1 or 2 clubs, unfortunately as the only information being sent in was from 1 or 2 clubs, it may well have appeared slightly biased. However at no time has any club or person been denied access to the site to post their reports, photos or even publicise an event taking place.

If these people put more effort into your development rather than bigging up their own positions then we would really be a force to be reckoned with in County Rugby.

The Following Article from our County Chair Chris Emerson clarifies what this site and the Essex RFUW is about.

without your input we cannot hope to spread the word amongst clubs to assist in recruiting players and raising the profile of the game.

Welcome to the UNOFFICAL ESSEX COUNTY RFUW COMMITTEE BLOG.

The blog was created to raised the profile of the women and girls game in the county by providing a place for women and girls teams to post reports and post information.

The blog will only be as good as the information we can post, we can’t write reports for you or take pictures on your behalf, however we can provide you with a means to declare your progress and tell others of your achievements or just to record some of the fun things you get up to.

We ask that the articles are a true and fair view of events and that a positive view point of rugby is reported on at all times. Only articles deemed to have a proactive and positive approach will be published.

So get writing and raise the profile of your club so we can help to raise awareness of the great things going on in the women and girls game.

The Committee hope to use this blog to inform clubs of information regarding training opportunities available and events that are coming up.

Please use the blog to further our cause, raise awareness and assist with our endeavour to take the game forward. We want to see everyone in the game develop and move forward, volunteers and players, spectators and participants.

Please help us to help you.

Thank you in anticipation of your support and commitment to the women and girls game.

Regards

Chris Emerson
Chair of Essex RFUW

Friendships

2007-06-02T16:29:00.000+01:00

This season has been a success both on and off the field for "Basford"
not only has the unofficial merger of the two girls sides reaped great rewards, but some lasting friendships have been made.

Earlier in the season we had the pleasure of hosting Melbourne ladies who travelled down for the weekend and despite some inclement weather both teams played some fantastic rugby, and then enjoyed the clubs hospitality with a band,disco and buffet.

We have also travelled some considerable distances this season to play games and have been made welcome wereever we have played.
Thanks to Reading, Witney, Welwyn, Hertford, Saracens, and all the others we have had the pleasure of meeting and playing against this season.

Also a big thank you should go to all those girls who have helped us out this season when we have been short of players through injury or other.
Our new friends over at Spalding who rang to ask if we could accomodate some of their girls when they could not field a full side. Thank you without your help we may not have made it so far!!!

Good luck to all the clubs and heres to another good year in 2007-8.

National 7's

2007-06-02T15:40:00.000+01:00

"Basford"

Last weekend saw the U17's defending their National 7's title and the U14's looking to go one step further and win their 2nd trophy of the season.

The U17's could not replicate the heroics of last year, and sadly went out in the semi final of the plate competition to Letchworth.
Despite losing, the girls were upbeat and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

National 7’s U17

Pool 1
Dorking 10 Letchworth 12
Reading 17 Worcester 24
Dorking 7 Reading 36
Letchworth 0 Worcester 27
Dorking 5 Worcester 35
Letchworth 12 Reading 29

Pool 2
Cramberleigh 7 Westcliff 17
Mowden Park 22 Cramberleigh 0
Mowden Park 31 Westcliff 10

Pool 3
Aylestone St J 0 Tynedale P 40
Exeter S 41 Aylestone St J 0
Exeter S 21 Tynedale P 10

Pool 4
Basford 0 Paviours 21
Tylderloo B 0 Wimborne 30
Paviours 48 Tylderloo B 0
Paviours 14 Wimborne 15
Basford 37 Tylderloo B 0
Basford 0 Wimborne 31

Cup
Quarterfinal

Worcester 31 Westcliff 5
Exeter S 0 Paviours 15
Mowden Park 25 Reading 5
Wimborne 31 Tynedale p 0

Semi Final

Worcester 17 Paviours 7
Wimborne 5 Mowden Park 7

Final
Worcester 19 Mowden Park 5

Plate
Quarterfinal
Aylestone St J 31 Tylderloo B 5
Cramberleigh 5 Dorking 22
Letchworth and Basford receive byes.

Semi Final
Letchworth 12 Basford 10
Dorking 22 Aylestone St J 0

Final
Letchworth 24 Dorking 5

The u14's spured on by recent results that saw them finish runners up at Herts and semi finalists at Worthing were ready from the off.
Finding them selves top of the pool after 2 games, they faced unknown Gloucester in their final pool game.
A hard fought end to end game ended with the game going to Gloucester ( although some confusion arose as observers had the scores the other way round, it was of little consequence as Basford would go forward into the cup regardless).
The first game in the Cup round robin saw the girls up against last weeks fellow finalists Cramberleigh.
Having learnt a lot from last weeks encounter, the girls went out to pressure their opponents from the off.
A hard fought game ended with Cramberleigh being the deserved winners following two well worked tries.
The final game against Tylderloo was again an end to end contest, however the "Basford " girls proved that little bit too strong for their opponents and went on to win 19-10.

National 7’s U14

Winners Cup – Cramberleigh
Runners up Cup -- Basford
Plate – Ellingham and Ringwood
Bowl – Welwyn Warriors
B of R – Newquay Hornets

Pool 1
Aylestone St j 10 Exeter S 19
Aylestone St J 17 Witney C 24
Witney C 0 Cramberleigh 61
Cramberleigh 34 Exeter S 0
Aylestone St J 0 Cramberleigh 50
Exeter S 40 Witney C 5

Pool 2
Basford 17 Newquay H 12
Worcester 15 Gloucester B 15
Basford 7 Worcester 5
Newquay H 19 Gloucester B 12
Newquay H 5 Worcester 10
Basford 17 Gloucester B 19

Pool 3
Ellingham & R 5 Tylderloo 17
Tylderloo 7 Welwyn W 14
Ellingham & Ringwood 19 Welwyn W 7

Cup Round Robin
Basford 19 Tylderloo B 10
Cramberleigh 40 Tylderloo B 0
Cramberleigh 14 Basford 0

Plate Round Robin
Exeter S 7 Gloucester B 29
Gloucester B 12 Ellingham & R 34
Ellingham & R 27 Exeter 12

Bowl Round Robin
Worcester 7 Welwyn W 7
Witney C 0 Worcester 44
Witney c 0 Welwyn W 68

Best of the Rest
Aylestone St J 15 Newquay 19

Well done to all the girls who took part in what was an excellent advertisement for girls rugby in this country.
All games were played in the spirit of the game, and each team were winners in their own right.

A special thanks to all the parents and supporters who made the day special for the girls.

The Basford girls "take on life"

2007-05-20T21:54:00.000+01:00

What does she think she looks like in those shorts!!!!

Gavin picked the side not me!!!!!!!

Herts 7's

2007-05-20T20:59:00.000+01:00

Basildon & Rochford U14's

Sunday 20th May, saw the penultimate Festival of the season take place at Welwyn Rugby Club.

Basildon & Rochford U14 and U17 teams both topped their respective pools with convincing wins over their opponents to reach the Premier Cup competition.

The U17's Started well by beating an Eastern Furies side which is derived from the best of the Eastern Counties girls 22-10.

This was shortly followed by a 20-10 victory over Aylesbury & Milton Keynes, which like Eastern Furies, is a combination side derived from the best players at each club.

Having topped the group, the girls then faced Kettering in the semi final. Basford led 10-7 at half time, but a couple of fine opportunist runs from Kettering saw them edge the game 10-19.

Try Scorers for "Basford"

Rachel "The Flying Winger" French 3

Cherelle"Dominating the line out" Alphonse 2

Sarah "Centre Muncher" MCB 1

Natalie"Scares the opposition" McClarnon 2

Sarah"Dont pass,kick,run,just bosh"Carman 1

Sam "The elusive giggler"Smith 1

well done also to the other team members

Sophie"Yes my Lady" Russell

Gemma "Rhino" Sommers

Charlie"wheres the boys" Micallef

Stacey "Having a blond moment "Law

Siobhan "shivvy" Allison

Well done girls!

The U14's started their campain with a resounding 37-5 victory over Worcester with tries from Meg, Mouse, Alex and Layla (2) with Yasmin converting 4 kicks.

Their 2nd pool game saw them up against Hertford. Some dominant forwards play and some sublime backs moves saw them run out 37-0 victors. Again some lovely tries by Jess, Alex(2) and Layla(2) with Yasmin again converting 4 of her kicks.

The Semi Final saw them up against a well drilled Spalding side (unbeaten this season) who had reached the semi final with some convincing wins of their own by playing some quick expansive rugby.

Half time saw Spalding lead by 7-0 thanks to a well worked try and conversion.However the "Basford" girls soon had the scores level following a lovely try by Layla after some terrific support play across the pitch, Yasmin duly slotted her conversion to set up a tense last few minutes.

With time ebbing away, some strong play by the forwards allowed Alex to break for the line and dive over for the winning try just as the ref was ready to blow for full time.

With a final score of 12-7 the girls had made it to their 2nd final this season.

The final against Cramberleigh proved to be a hard fought encounter, and when Meg broke through after a couple of minutes to score in the corner, an upset looked to be on the cards.

However that mighty machine that is Cramberleigh stepped up a gear and dominated the game from that point.

Despite some excellent defending from our girls, it couldnt stop the inevitable and the final score of 42-5 to Cramberleigh didn't do justice to the stirling performance given by the girls.

Well done to all the girls for putting on a magnificent show of rugby and congratulations to Cramberleigh who were worthy winners.

A very special thank you should also go to all at Welwyn Rugby club for organising a fantastic day of rugby.

Thanks Peter and all the team from all at Basildon & Rochford.

Who ever takes on the mantle next year has a hard act to follow!!!!!!

Club Presentation night

2007-05-20T20:26:00.000+01:00

Sarah Carmen U17 Player of the year

Basford Girls 2006/7

Megan Robson U14 Player of the Year

Last Saturday 19th May 07,Basildon Rugby Club hosted the end of season presentations for the youth section.

This season has been without doubt a huge success for the girls following the merger between Basildon & Rochford U14's & U17's.

At last nights awards, each girl recieved a trophy from the club Chairman and Club President to mark their achievements this season.

This was followed by the individual team awards which saw Sarah Carman pick up Club player of the year and Player's Player of the year for the U17's.
In the U14 group, Club player of the year went to Megan Robson and player's player of the year went to Layla Pickering.

A presentation was also made to Stacey Law by all her team mates, as she is leaving us at the end of the season to move to York with her family.
Good Luck Stacey from all your friends at Basford.

Special thanks also went to Tina Turner and Paula Bates, two ladies who this season have been outstanding in their support and organisational skills on behalf of the girls.
They were the organisational brains behind the fund raising that enabled the girls to go on the excellent tour to Exeter at Easter.
Thank you ladies!!

Also a big thank you to the coaches Gavin, Peter and Ian for getting the girls as far as they have this season.

Also a huge thanks to the backroom staff, and especially those parents who this season have covered thousands of miles to support the girls.

Last but not least a big thanks to those sponsers who generously dug into their pockets to fund tour shirts and new No1 Attire.
PAS Cleaning Services and Rayleigh Chiropractic Clinic.

Worthing Festival

2007-05-16T20:27:00.000+01:00

Last Sunday saw the teams travel to Worthing to take part in Worthing Rugby clubs annual Festival.
Despite the weather both sides got off to a great start.
U14's Pool Games
Basford 33 Benenden 0
Basford 29 Mitcham Bulls 0
Basford 41 Worthing 0

Having topped the group the girls were paired in the semi final against Mike Tyson in disguise as H3
After a bruising encounter, the girls unfortunately went down 27-7, and following Welwyns defeat against Worcester in the other semi final the eagerly awaited encounter between the girls didnt happen.
Oh well there's always the Herts 7's!!!
Well done to all the girls who did themselves and the club proud.
Also a big welcome to Lucie Wood who played her first game with the girls this weekend, and looked as though she had been with them all season.

The Under 17's sailed through their pool games, to meet old adversaries Westcliff in the semi final.
All was going well until Emily Scott had to leave the field and take a nice trip to Worthing Hospital.
Unfortunately this seemed to break the girls concentration allowing Westcliff to score a try and progress to the final against home side Worthing.

Special thanks to Worcester and Worthing for helping the U14's with players as injuries took their toll.

Good news also that Emily's injury is not as bad as first thought, so she will make Hong Kong with the school sports team next week.

National Cup

2007-05-10T21:05:00.000+01:00

The following extract has been lifted from JB's Letchworth Blog, ( John I hope that this is ok)and whilst I do not always agree with some of the items in print, I think this will envoke a healthy debate amongst those connected with Girls Rugby.
Read carefully this may have a long reaching effect on the future of girls rugby.

The National Cup - what is it for, exactly?
Dear Reader. It is possible that some people of a nervous disposition may become agitated by that which follows, or read into it all sorts of slights which are not there. If that is the case could I first please direct your attention to this note, and secondly suggest that you direct you wrath to a more constructive end by engaging in the discussion via the comments link at the end.
Open debate is a wonderful concept - its how we improve things].
With the first ever RFUW Junior 10s this weekend, it was interesting that last weekend the “other” club competition was still an the object of discussion among several people I spoke to at Rugby. Apparently some even have heard that the National Cup is being reviewed – I do not know if that is so, but if it is, its not a moment too soon and is a debate that everyone who cares about the club game should be involved in.
After all, The National Cup is – or should be - the premier club rugby competition for girls teams. A competition that everyone aspires to, thinks about, dreams about even. But it isn’t.In fact over large swathes of the game its an irrelevance, ignored by the vast majority of clubs. Out of the whole south-eastern quarter of England (containing half of the population of the country) only four teams took part this season. FOUR. And three of them were from Herts. Other areas barely did better than that - over the whole country the number of entrants just about staggered into double figures.The reason for this indifference is simple.
To be remotely competitive you not only need to be able to field a full XV (difficult enough for many clubs), but you also need a pretty full subs bench too as opposition player numbers are not reduced if you suffer injuries.In the real world the number of clubs capable of pulling together the 20-25 girls needed directly from their own membership can be counted on the fingers of one hand. With fingers to spare. As a result sides combine forces - as we did this season (and would do next) – or otherwise field “guests” from other clubs.This means that the vast majority of entrants end up being, in effect, artificial combinations created for the sole purpose of entering the cup. When even superpowers like Welwyn feel the need to reinforce their squad with a few "guests" alarm bells should start ringing, and when you hear that the winning team featured players from five different clubs, resulting in a team with a remarkable five TDGs in it (more than most regional sides can manage!), you do not need to be told that something isn’t quite right.The trouble is that is anyone ever dares to question this or even mumble “erm… just a minute here” the world falls in. “None of these girls could have played otherwise because their own clubs are not big enough” you are told, and “how dare you suggest that anything underhand was going on – no-one is breaking any rules”. You even get threatened with being thrown out of the competition.So please do not think that I am not remotely attempting to have a go or criticise anyone or any club for using the rules to their advantage. I am not – good luck to them. They are not at fault - its the rules.Because fact is that it would be quite stratospherically difficult to break the rules on player selection as, to put it bluntly, there aren’t any. The players do not have to be members of, or registered with, or have previously played for, the club they turn out for.Indeed you do not even have to go to the pretence of entering under the name of an affiliated club at all! There is absolutely nothing to stop Hertfordshire - or even East Region - entering the Cup next year AS Hertfordshire (or East)! Indeed there is nothing to stop someone signing up a complete squad of TDG girls from across the land if they wanted to.So what is the point? What is the RFUW expending all this time, effort – and money – to achieve? Because it clearly isn’t a “club competition” – certainly not one for ordinary rugby clubs representing ordinary communities (unless you define your “community” as an area in excess of 1,000 square miles). It is, in effect, an event for invitational teams – with the winner being potentially less the “best club” as the club with the “best contacts" or the “biggest phone book” – and what does the game gain from that?As a result it is small wonder that most clubs vote with their feet and that consequently winning it carries little glory.
I know who won this year as someone told me, but I challenge anyone to tell me who won in 2005/6 as even the RFUW website seems silent on the issue!
So why is the RFUW persisting with a format that most clubs do not care about, that generates more ill-feeling than anything else, that forces clubs into something close to a player arms-race, and which has – moreover - been largely abandoned at senior level?After all, its not as if there aren’t alternatives.
One idea I have heard suggested is that - if a 15-a-side event is sacrosanct - then eliminate the temptation to cherry-pick superstars and make it an event for “ordinary” club players by simply running the tournament on TDG training weekends.It’s a nice idea – after all the RFUW does damn all for the ordinary player most of the time, other than maybe killing off their season between Christmas and Easter by allowing the regional programme to wipe out every other weekend (or three weekends in four, if the latest draft for 2007/8 goes ahead). But in practice it would require even more combining to go on, and there are plenty of “well-known” girls on the fringe of the TDGs who would become the next targets.
So why not regularise the inter-club mixtures by making it a County Cup? After all the RFUW currently does nothing at all for the county game and at least a county-based competition would result in a proper definition of who could, and who could not, play for a given team. RFU have a tried and tested set of rules based on years of experience.Trouble is that, in practice, neither of these solutions help clubs - real, local, individual clubs - the bedrock of the game. What is needed are competitions that even relatively small – but genuine - club sides can reasonably enter on their own.Which brings us to this weekend, and Regional/National 10s. The entry for this wasn't great this season - but stuck at the fag end of the year on hard grounds and clashing with major exams it was hardly set up for success.
However fact is that 10s tournaments in the main season work well - look at the Rochford 10s, or Worthing, or Exeter, or... well, many others.Okay some clubs might still be tempted to get in a few, well, "ringers", and in the end that is difficult to legislate against (there is a bit of a contretemps going on in the US over a similar issue), but it would be far more blatant in a 10s so most clubs would not have the brass neck to do it. Well, one lives in hope.
Moving the 10s to the main season would also give more space to the evolving "7s circuit" (Dorking, Herts, Nationals) – another format that “real” clubs can enter. It may not be the "proper game", but at least it gets girls playing a form of rugby that is accessible to even the smallest team.So what do you think? Do you agree? Am I barking up the wrong tree? Am I talking nonsense? Do you care?If you do have a view, why not leave a few comments? And while you are about it, why not write to RFUW as well? Regardless of your views – whether you are in favour of the status quo or not – the centre needs to know. They do not have a monopoly on wisdom at Twickenham.Its your game.

Regional Finals

2007-05-03T21:13:00.000+01:00

This weekend see's the culmination of the Regional programme for 2006/7.

Congratulations to all those girls who will be representing East Region, and especially those from our own Essex clubs.

Basildon & Rochford

Emily Scott U17
Cherelle Alphone U17
Sarah Carman U17
Charlie Micallef U17
Rachael FrenchU17
Natalie McClarnon U17

Megan Robson U14
Frances Hughes U14
Jess Harris U14
Yasmin Pemberton U14
Layla Pickering U14
Ellie Martin U14
Emma (Mouse) Dorrington U14
Alex Grant U14

Westcliff

Siobhan Franklin U17
Anna Roberts U14

Congrats to the girls from the other clubs within the region who have girls in the two squads this weekend.
Welwyn Warriors
Saracens
Diss
Sudbury

The games are played over two days, with the U14's in action on sunday and the U17's on monday.

Good luck to all, and a big thanks to the coaches and management who have got the girls this far.

Player Profile

2007-05-03T20:54:00.000+01:00

Emily Scott

Club: Basildon&Rochford

County: Essex

Regional: East

Who would have thought that the little Cherub in the picture would grow up to be the player she is today.
Emily started her playing career at Thurrock Rugby club in the mini midi section before moving to Stanford Rugby Club where she captained the U11's and U12's mixed teams.

Having to then move into the U14 girls game, she moved to Basildon Rugby Club where she played under the watchful eyes of Mr Chris & Mrs Chris Emerson.

Following her two seasons in the U14's she was voted U14 Player of the year at the East Region dinner last June.

It soon became apparent that Emily possessed a natural talent which has led her to be selected as part of the TDG programme which brings the Elite U17 players together for specialist coaching.

Emily has been an ever present this season for club and county and gives 110% week in week out.

Thurrock T Birds

2007-04-27T22:39:00.000+01:00

Thurrocks successful females are about to launch a womans development squad the "T Chicks". "T Birds" coach Dean White says "On May 2nd, the T Birds are running a meet and greet evening at Thurrock Rugby Club".

The night promises a lot of fun with a big game of touch rugby followed by a BBQ.

Launching on the night will be the new seconds/development squad for next season. Dean added that this new addition to the "T Birds"will be a social team that will primarily play non league games in the first season.

The idea behind this is to attract players that have never played before or that have left the game and now feel they would like to take it up again.

The session is open to all regardless of age or ability.

Following this years success on the pitch, the "T Birds" are currently the best Womans side in Essex and may still get promotion to Championship 2 for next season.

This has led to Dean and the rest of the coaching staff to look at adding to this hugely talented side.

Anyone interested should come along on the 2nd May or telephone Dean on 07726 175876 for more information.

Holly LeGrave Englands future!

2007-04-22T08:14:00.000+01:00

Basildon player Holly Le Grave has just returned from eight days of intensive England u19's squad training, which included two tests against Canada.
England won the first 29-5 and the second 43-0.
Holly was instrumental in the wins of both games, playing on the wing. This is a new position for Holly and she is making her mark.
Holly is honoured to have been selected into the London squad of the Super League, the only Essex lady to do so. This is the tool that the selectors use for inclusion into the Senior England Elite Ladies.

Holly has her first match on 20/4 and is training hard for this at both wing and scrum half!
Luckily, Holly has been awarded a Talented Athlete Award by the RFUW, which finances her travelling and playing costs and also provides her with one to one training in positional specifics. She is also given weekly strength and conditioning training and nutritional advice.
Holly is keen to pass on all the new training techniques and advice that she receives from the England set-up, and so is currently arranging a summer session for girls and Ladies. This is open to all girls at both u14's and u17's level in Essex.

The session will be held at Basildon RFC, which is famed for its training of Girls into the Elite player performance pathway.To be involved contact 07947 117988.

Herts 7's

2007-04-17T21:22:00.000+01:00

Herts Sevens Update
The Following info courtesy of JB's Herts Blog

Amanda Bate, RFUW Women's Development Manager for the East and South East Regions, made the draw for the Groups at last night's Herts Girls Meeting.

Under 14's:
Group A: Saracens; Reading; Spalding.
Group B: Basford; Worcester; Hertford.
Group C: Welwyn; East Furies; Beckett.
Group D: Cramberleigh; Milton Keynes; Letchworth.
In the U14 Section there will be Cup, Bowl and Plate semi-finals for teams finishing first, second and third respectively, so each team will play at least three games. In the semi-finals A will play B, and C will play D.

Under 17's:
Group A: Letchworth; Kettering; Reading; Worcester 2.
Group B: Basford; East Furies; Milton Keynes 1; Spalding.
Group C: Welwyn; Paviours; Beckett 1; Milton Keynes 2.
Group D: Worcester 1; Hertford; Romford; Beckett 2.
In the U17 Section there will be Cup, Bowl, Plate and Shield semi-finals for teams finishing first, second, third and fourth respectively, so each team will play at least four games.
In the semi-finals A will play B, and C will play D.

The running order of games will be sent to the teams at the beginning of May.

Exeter Revisited

2007-04-17T20:11:00.000+01:00

"Jethro" enjoys his day away from the farm

The Obligatory Action Shot

Martins Angels

Basford &Tavistock

The "Hoff" with the "Baywatch Babes"

The Crew take Tavistock

Do all Devon Cows look this good!!!!!!

Basford Girls & Crew

Essex RFUW AGM

2007-04-14T20:41:00.000+01:00

This years AGM is fast approaching, the venue is Chelmsford Rugby Club 14th May 2007 at 7.30 pm.
This is your opportunity to come along and have your say!.
The present Committee will stand down, and the new committee for 2007-2008 will be elected.

If you wish to apply for a position with the Essex RFUW, please contact Chris Emerson (Mrs) 07775 635920.

"Baywatch Tour " Easter weekend

2007-04-11T20:02:00.000+01:00

Over the Easter weekend, the girls from the Basildon & Rochford clubs went on their tour to the west country.

Staying at Exeter University campus, the girls played games against "local" opposition.

This years theme of Baywatch required all parties including parents to dress in beach wear and carry an inflateable.

Special guest appearances on the weekend by Mr Simon "The Hoff" Hughes and

Mr Gavin"Pammy"Scott.

All those touring entered into the spirit of the theme including parents and some grandparents.

A big big thank you goes out to Tina and Paula for all the hard work they put into making sure the tour was a success.

Thanks to the sponsors of the new kit and jackets for the players ( Rayleigh Chiropractic clinic, PAS Cleaning Services and Phil French.)

On the Saturday the U17 team were to face a strong Tavistock side. The team were slow to start after the long journey with the half time score of only 12: 7 with a try from Gemma Galbraith converted by Cherelle Alphonse and a second from Emily Scott. The second half saw the Basildon & Rochford side find their rhythm with some strong runs from Natalie McClarnon and Sarah Carmen. From one of these runs McClarnon powered over for the first score of the second half. With Scott and Rachel French combining well in the midfield a move led to Sarah McIlwain-Bates making a cat like leap and scoring her first try for the club. The final score of the game was again by Scott, and with Alphonse converting two more saw a good opening win for the tourists 31:14

On the Sunday the girls played in a three way tournament against a touring side from Buxton and a strong home Exeter side consisting of a number of South West regional players. The first game was against Buxton and the team had a convincing victory 42:0 with tries by Siobhan Allison, Emily Scott (3), Natalie McClarnon, Charlie Micallef, and Gemma Galbraith converted by Scott.
With Exeter also winning against Buxton it set a winner takes all final against the home side. Again the Basildon and Rochford side proved to strong for the opposition with some good work in the tight by Sam Smith and Jemma Sommers the touring side were winners 17:12 with tries from Charlie Micallef, Natalie McClarnon and Gemma Galbraith, the game was completed with a great touchline conversion by Scott.

The U14’s also played an Exeter side on sunday that fielded some of the South West Regional players and from the whistle went straight on the attack.

Some excellent play from the forwards allowed the backs to run at the Exeter line time and time again.

With the forwards in total control, the backs had freedom to use the space to run in a commanding score

Tries from Alex Grant (2), Yazmin Pemberton (3), Layla Pickering (2), Megan Robson(2),Ellie Martin, Alice Wright and Frances Hughes along with conversions by Jess Harris (3), Yasmin (4) gave a winning score line of 74-21. Although not on the score sheet themselves, special mention has to go to Emma "Mouse" Dorrington and Billy Forbes for some excellent support play and defence.
A great time was had by all, playing and partying hard.

Couldn't Care in the Community

2007-04-03T13:48:00.000+01:00

Do you recognise this man!!!!

Having been moved by recent images shown on national television showing people made homeless following an Earthquake in some far off foriegn place, the girls at Essex rugby decided to do all they can to help the under privileged closer to home.

One of the schemes set up by the girls was one which arranged for those more needy members of our down at heel community to be taken to clubs where the girls were due to play a game of rugby. The idea behind this was it was a cheap way of feeding them as they always have good grub after games for the players and staff.

This week some were taken to Ely to see the Girls in action. However after witnessing an U17 coaching session, the excitement proved too much for one of our our guests who retired to the club house to reflect on the techniques passed on to the girls.

PS Will the person who brought their parent with them on the day please contact the staff at Ely Rugby club and arrange to pick him up and return him to Cardboard Avenue as soon as possible.

Reminder

2007-04-02T21:10:00.000+01:00

Rochford Festival

A note for your diaries!

This year the successful Rochford Festival will be held on the 14th October.
The chosen charity to be supported this year is the Little Havens Hospice for children.

Entries for teams at U15 &U18 will be £25.00 per team.

To request an entry form, please contact either Peter or Tina at pete@rugbyturners.plus.com or tina@rugbyturners.plus.com or pjmrobson@btinternet.com

If any school or club has an U12 team that would like to play a game during the lunchtime break of the competition, again please contact either Peter or Tina.

Essex Girls shine at East!!

2007-04-02T20:44:00.000+01:00

Several Essex Girls Rugby Squad players were in action at the weekend for the East Region Rugby teams. At U17's Emily Scott, Sarah Carman, NatMaClarnon, Cherelle Alphonse, Charlie Micaliff, Gemma Galbraith, RachelFrench (all Basildon and Rochford), Siobhan Franklin, Kez Hopkins(Westcliff) and Sophie Russell (Uttlesford) plus at U14's Megan Robson,Emma Dorington, Yasmin Pemberton, Ellie Martin, Alice Wright, LaylaPickering, Jess Harris, Frances Hughes, Alex Grant (all Basildon & Rochford) andAnna Roberts(Westcliff).

The U17's were to have a tough opening fixture against Yorkshire losing narrowly 7 : 5 however the team faired far better in their second gamebeating the North East region 24 : 0.

The U14's captained by Megan Robson went one better than the U17's beating both Yorkshire and the North East with two convincing 29 : 0 wins.

Congratulations to all of the other Essex girls representing their region who now have only one regional fixture left for the season, this beingthe national festival at Rugby School in Warwickshire where the England selectors see all of the regional teams play in the national tournament.

Emily Scott and Sophie Russell who are already part of the National top30 U17 Talent Development Group may soon be joined by Megan Robson,Yasmin Pemberton and Jess Harris who all have recently been nominated for the U14 Talent Development Identification programme which are a series of rugby coaching schools being set up throughout the country

Report courtesy of Gavin Scott

Basildon & Essex

East Region U14's take Ely by storm

2007-04-02T20:38:00.000+01:00

East 29 Yorkshire 0

Yorkshire decide to kick off using the wind and slope. East receive the kick and run it back into the Yorkshire 22, but after pressure knock on. From the resulting scrum Yorkshire kick into midfield just inside the East half. Layla gathers and runs the ball back. From the ruck East pass left for Charlotte to break the first line of defence. She is brought down just short of the try line but Claire is in support to collect the pop and score. From the restart Yorkshire kick deep into the East 22. East set up a maul but Yorkshire win back the ball and pass it out. East move up quickly and tackle the Yorkshire backs and force a turnover, running the recovered ball up to halfway. Layla takes the ball right from the ruck but is tackled. The ball comes back East’s way and Rhea breaks left beating the first line of defence. She is tackled but manages to offload to Anna in support, who continues the move into the Yorkshire 22, before passing to Claire in support who scores. Yorkshire kick off deep again and recover the ball, applying pressure to the East line, but are unable to make a breakthrough before half time.

Half time 12:0

East start the second half and Yaz kicks a high ball just over the 10m line; an awkward bounce sees Charlotte recover the ball at pace and run into the Yorkshire 22, before offloading to Anna, who is bundled into touch just short of the line. Yorkshire throw into their lineout, but it is grabbed by Alex from the East to crash over. Yorkshire restart with a good kick that bounces into the East 22. East drive and set up a ruck, before spinning the ball left to Anna who runs to the edge of the 22 and draws the final defender before passing to Claire to run from her own 22 to score. Jess coverts. The Yorkshire kick off is again recovered by Charlotte who runs it up to the Yorkshire 10m line before being brought down. Ellie takes a short pass and drives the ball further before the ball is recycled and popped to Alex to drive at the Yorkshire line. Alex pops the ball to Claire who scores her 4th try. From the kick off the ball is again taken by Charlotte who runs to halfway before passing to Anna, who is tackled at the 10m line. The game finishes at the following ruck.

Final Score East 29 Yorkshire 0

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
East 29 North East 0

East win the toss and manage to kick with the wind and slope. East kick deep into the North East 22. North East recover the ball and kick back to halfway, where it is fielded by Layla, who side steps a couple of chasers before being tackled. East break from the ruck into the North East 22. Quick ball is passed right down the back line for Sam to score. The kick off is gathered by East and moved back up to half way. From the ruck they pass the ball to Sam who breaks through the midfield defence and offloads to Anna to score. Yaz coverts.

Half time East 12 North East 0

North East restart with the slope and wind in their favour. They get a scrum from the kick and go right but the East backs are up quickly and recover the ball in the tackle. Alex makes a break from just outside her 22 and offloads to Charlotte, who makes it to the North East 22 but the ball is knocked on. North East win the ball from the scrum and kick the ball out on halfway. East win the lineout and Megan runs up field, passing inside to Rhea in support who runs from the 22m to score. Yaz converts. North East restart and East slowly drive the ball up to halfway before knocking on. East pressure the North East back line from the scrum and turn over the ball. Courtney collects and drives up-field before passing to Rachel in support. She is stopped in the North East 22 but the ball is recycled and passed right down the line. East are stopped just short in the corner and knock on. From the scrum North East kick up to halfway. East again win their lineout and pass down the backs, but are held up in midfield. Rhea rips the ball from the maul and runs into the North East 22 before being stopped, but passes to Rachel to score. North East again kick off and it is fielded by Courtney who runs out of the 22 before being held up. Rhea rips the ball from the maul and passes to Rachel on the wing who out-paces her marker and runs 60m to score.

Final score East 29 North East 0

Reports courtesy of Simon Shutler

U14's Coach

2007-03-31T20:25:00.000+01:00

EAST REGION WOMEN’S RUGBY
PRESENTATION DINNER AND DANCE 2007

Dear Player, Club, Coach, Manager, Supporter, Family and Friends,

VENUE: THE DUKES HEAD HOTEL, TUESDAY MKT PLACE, KINGS LYNN, NORFOLK
PE30 1JS
DATE: FRIDAY 15th JUNE 2007
TIME: 7.30PM FOR 8PM START (disco until 1am)
DRESS CODE: EVENING DRESS/BLACK TIE
TICKETS: £30 PER ADULT OR £25 FOR PERSONS 17 & UNDER.

The Tickets are now on sale, so hurry as the amount of tickets for sale are limited

EACH TICKET IS ALSO A DRAW NUMBER
Extra draw tickets available on the night at £1 per ticket.

I hope that you can make it. The night will be full of glitz, glam, tears of joy, fun and DANCING. Just think of the Oscars but as a more exclusive occasion.

We are now taking nominations for the Awards (listed below) please give the persons name, club, award to be nominated for, and a few lines as to why they should win. Nomination form below... awards are won by the most nominations so get voting.

The Awards are:
SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
UNDER 17 PLAYER OF THE YEAR
UNDER 14 PLAYER OF THE YEAR
CLUB OF THE YEAR
MANAGER/COACH OF THE YEAR
THE UNSUNG HERO AWARD
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
COUNTY TEAM OF THE YEAR.
THE OUTSTANDING ACHIVEMENT AWARD

STOP PRESS....
SPECIAL GUEST FOR THE NIGHT IS IRB Women’s Personality of the Year award 2006
MAGGIE ALPHONSI. Who will be handing out the awards to the lucky winners

Please pass this email on to as many people as you can, it is hoped that each club in the east region will send at least two representatives for this event.

If you would like some tickets, fill in the form below and return to the address below.

Send chq’s made out to East RFUW.
27 Rainsthorpe, South Wootton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 3UF
To check availability email eastrfuw@btinternet.com
Alternatively, phone 0776 369 8685

TICKETS ON SALE NOW UNTIL 1ST JUNE 2007

EAST REGION NOMINATION FORM
AWARDS 2006/07

SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
PLAYERS NAME

CLUB/S

REASON

UNDER 17 PLAYER OF THE YEAR
PLAYERS NAME

CLUB/S

REASON

UNDER 14 PLAYER OF THE YEAR
PLAYERS NAME

CLUB/S

REASON

CLUB OF THE YEAR
CLUB NAME

REASON

COUNTY TEAM OF THE YEAR.
COUNTY NAME

REASON

MANAGER/COACH OF THE YEAR
PERSONS NAME

CLUB/S

REASON

THE UNSUNG HERO AWARD
PERSONS NAME

CLUB/S

REASON

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
PERSONS NAME

CLUB/S

REASON

THE OUTSTANDING ACHIVEMENT AWARD
PERSONS NAME

CLUB/S

REASON

RETURN TO
EAST RFUW, 27 Rainsthorpe, South Wootton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 3UF
Alternatively, email to eastrfuw@btinternet.com

2007-03-28T21:30:00.000+01:00

Westcliff Wildcats

Sunday 25th March saw Westcliff girls play host to Tamworth.

Both the Under 17's and U14's were in action last weekend, in what was a very successful day for the club as a whole.
The Girls section played 2 games during the lunch time break of the Mini*Midi festival that was being held at the club.

The U17's played first and some decicive passing and running from the backs ensured that Westcliff came away with a well deserved victory.

The U14's then took to the field for therir game. Anna Roberts captained the side which included players from the Basildon & Rochford club who had turned out for Westcliff due to a shortage of players.
The girls played some exciting fast flowing rugby to record a significant victory over the visitors.

Well done to all the girls and a big thank you from Debbie Taylor at Westcliff to all the Basildon & Rochford girls for taking part.

2007-03-28T21:10:00.000+01:00

T Birds victorious

Sunday 25th March 07
Thurrock ladies 100 vs Harlow ladies 5

Thurrock took the game to Harlow knowing that they needed the win and a few points to give them any chance of being promoted this season.
The T'Birds scored 18 trys and 5 converstions in this fantastic display of rugby. Head coach Dean White said '"we played very well and were professional the whole way through the game, I have to say thank you to the players and coaching staff for this game because as a team we got all areas right. This season we have scored about 400 points and conceded 51 and that's because we have been playing well as a team and playing the right game plans"'.

Any players interested in playing for the biggest and best ladies team in Essex then please contact Dean White on 01375 846227.
Thurrock are looking to recruit for next season as they are looking to have a 1st team and a development team so all players are welcome.
The "T Birds" train on Wednesday at 7.30pm at Thurrock rugby club.

2007-03-28T20:34:00.000+01:00

East Region: Ely RFC

This Sunday 1st April both the U17’s and U14’s will take part in a triangular match at Ely RFC against the North East and Yorkshire.

Details for day as shown
11.30am Meet at Ely, changing rooms available
1.00pm East vs. Yorkshire
2.00pm North East vs. Yorkshire
3.00pm East vs. North East
4.00pm Depart

Games are likely to be 20-25 minutes "each way"

Regional U14 & U17 finals:

Details for the regional Festival to be held at Rugby.

U14s:
Sunday

Group 1: EAST, West Midlands, South East
Group 2: Yorkshire, South West (North), WRW
Group 3: South West (South), East Midlands, North East
Group 4: North West, Thames Valley, South

East fixtures: 11.00am v West Midlands;
11.40am v South East

Semi-finals (bowl, plate and cup) 2.00 and 2.30.
Finals 3.15 and 3.45.

U17s:
Monday

Group 1: South West (North), Thames Valley, East Midlands
Group 2: West Midlands, South, North West
Group 3: South East, Yorkshire, EAST
Group 4: South West (South), North East, WRW

East fixtures: 12.30pm v Yorkshire
1.15pm v South East

Semi-finals (bowl, plate and cup) 2.15 and 2.50.
Finals 3.45 and 4.15.

2007-03-28T20:14:00.000+01:00

“Braintree Ladies have been training for about 4 – 5 months are looking for any ladies teams who would be prepared to play tag rugby(at the moment) to help give them both experience and development into the full game.”

Any club or group who feel that they are in a position to help Alan and the Ladies get off the ground, should contact Alan on the following numbers or leave a message on the site.
Tel: 01376 551 049
Mobile:07958 995 855

East Region v East Midlands

2007-03-23T15:48:00.000Z

Congratulations to the "Essex Girls" who helped the East Region U14's to victory over East Midlands on sunday 18th March.

Back row L to R Alex, Megan, Ellie, Frances
Front Row Lto R Emma(mouse), Layla,Yasmin, Jess.

All the girls belong to the Basildon&Rochford (BasFord)side who this season remain unbeaten at club level.

Match report from the Herts blog courtesy of Mr JB.

Contrary to the RFUW website and email, the East U14's actually beat the East Midlands in another very cold day up north, and this is how...

East won the toss and elected to receive from the kick off. EM chose to play with a strong wind at their back in the first half and with the slope of the pitch favouring them. The East game plan in the first half was not to kick the ball away but keep it in hand and drive into the wind. From the kick-off they did this and kept possession and play around halfway. Unfortunately they turned the ball over and were penalised for handling on the ground. EM took a quick tap and were tackled, but East were penalised for not being 10m. EM took another quick tap and ran in to the corner to score. East regrouped and from the kick-off they recovered the ball and drove into the EM 22. From the resulting scrum Layla took the ball blind and Yas backing up was tackled just short of the line. Further East pressure caused EM to concede a penalty. East took the scrum option and Charlotte was able to run in and score out wide.EM kicked off and again East kept the ball in possession on halfway, unfortunately they again conceded a penalty in the same position as before and a replay of the initial try happened in conceding a penalty being penalised for not being 10m and then seeing EM run into the corner again.However, heads did not drop and from the kick-off the East recovered the ball, Anna made a break and found Alex, who held off an EM defender and headed for the line, to be brought down just short. Yas backing up took the pass to score.The second half was a different game, East backs were much more fluent in their running and passing. A scrum on halfway saw the ball come left and Charlotte broke free to score her second try.The East with the wind on their backs were able to retain possession and put pressure on the EM line. Stout defending kept them out, until the EM conceded a penalty in front of the posts. East elected to scrum and lined up single file behind it to confuse the defence. The move did not quite work as planned but the ball was quickly recycled for Sam to score.East again worked the ball into the EM 22 and pressured the line, unfortunately they lost the ball under the posts and the EM countered moving the ball to their quick wing, who ran the length of the pitch to score under the posts.East from the kick-off keep possession and wok the ball into the EM 22. From a resulting scrum the ball is worked right, Sam is stopped but the ball is recycled and passed out for Charlotte to again score in the corner.A great result by the squad with some fantastic passages of play. The coaches will be working on some aspects of play before the next games but the girls did everything that was asked of them.

Nice Work Girls!!!!!!!!!

The Under 17's unfortunately had their game called off midway through the second half due to a rather heavy hailstorm.

If anyone has any photos of the U17's can they send them in and I will post them on the site

Melbourne Rugby Club visit Essex

2007-03-13T16:23:00.000Z

Melbourne Rugby Club v Basildon &Rochford

The weekend of the 3rd & 4th March saw the Girls of Basildon&Rochford play hosts to Melbourne Rugby Club.

Adverse weather conditions over the past few weeks had reduced the pitches at Basildon to resemble peat bogs ( after farming), so Thames Rugby club in Garron Lane South Ockendon stepped in with the loan of their pitches and club house for the weekend.

A real plus for girls rugby, as their 1st team cancelled a home game to allow us full use of their facilities .

Saturdays Rugby was followed by a welcome party in the club house with music by a local band from William Edwards School and Disco.

Despite an early start for the Melbourne girls, both sides played some fantastic rugby then partied until late knowing they had 2 games on the sunday ahead of them.

Sunday saw the girls from Welwyn Warriors and Sudbury travel down to take on the visitors.

Although the weather on sunday took a turn for the worse with strong wind and rain, it didnt dampen the spirits of those watching and playing.

A special thanks to all those who took part, and a big thank you to Melbourne for coming down. Get well soon to "Ellie" from Melbourne U17's who unfortunately ended the weekend in Basildon Hospital A&E having injured her ankle during the game. Hope you are back playing soon!!!Thanks to all the people who worked in the background to make it happen and to ensure it was a fun filled weekend.
Labels: Melbourne Tour
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by Phil Robson
15:47:00
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