The ladies’ section was formed in August 2020 and now has almost 40 members on the books with an average of 25 players turning up for weekly training sessions. Last weekend was the team’s first chance to play together and wear their club colours as they took part in Kirby Lonsdale’s Inner Warrior training camp on Saturday 15th May.

The first half of the afternoon started off with some fun games and drills to get the ladies introduced to the basics of rugby. The highlight of this was a Gladiator style gauntlet run which really tested what the girls were made of! The afternoon finished off with a game of touch rugby where the Penrith Ladies took on Kirkby Lonsdale. The game was a close affair and the ladies’ team put in a great display showing great team work throughout.

Players who attended were Hannah J Craig, Jackie Thompson, Linzi Jenkins, Caz Davidson, Julia Addison, Heather Grainger, Emma Addams, Breanne Kelso, Bernie Willetts, Amy Wright, Lauren Strand and Tamara Dawson.

This is the first season together as a team and after Saturday the future looks very bright. They train every Monday at 7pm at Penrith Rugby Club and new members are welcome to give a session a go!

The U18, U15 and U13 girls’ teams also made the trip to Kirby Lonsdale to each take part in age group festivals on Sunday.

U18 GIRLS

The stormy weather which was forecast did not materialise and on a fast pitch, in warm and sunny conditions, against numerously concocted sides, Penrith’s U18s girls’ team ran riot. It was a credit to the team that after an uncomfortably long lay-off, a return to such good form was achieved so seamlessly. Training sessions have taken place since the return to play but with no idea of what or who awaited them on the day, the players' natural apprehension was viewed as the fuel for a positive start.

Penrith RUFC were the only club to attend with a full squad in tow and as such, this resulted in mixed teams of other clubs including Kirby Lonsdale, Kendal, Windermere, Carlisle, Cockermouth and Keswick.

Penrith players scored 44 tries, including 10 of the 16 tries scored whilst playing against each other. Penrith's try scorers were Gana Walker 5, Josie Scrimgeour 7, Chloe Capstick 7, Ellie Philips 6, Emma Campbell 5, Holly Veitch 5, Polly Bowman 4, Georgia Mason 3, Hannah Turnbull 1, Sinead Longstaff 1. Penrith's other squad members were Anna Tompkins, Alyssa Robinson, and Maisey Lambert.

U15 GIRLS

Penrith RUFC’s U15s girls’ team showed great commitment this past weekend against two combined squads in the well-attended festival at Kirby Lonsdale. The girls enjoyed a 15-a-side format on a full pitch for the first time!

In the first match against a Keswick/Kendal squad, despite the extra space of the full pitch, the two defences were excellent so little progress was made. There were some excellent examples of off loads and continuity in attack and the Penrith squad used the kick option to good effect to make ground. The game culminated in a draw one all.

The girls were then thrust straight into game two against a mixed Barbarians squad consisting of players from Kirby Lonsdale, Carlisle and Garstang. The fresh Barbarians team were quickly on the attack and despite some strong defence the scored with from a strong individual run. Hazel gained good ground and the ball was moved wide to Rebecca with a chance to score but a good tackle halted the attack.

Amber Beaty turned over the ball at the breakdown for Jess Graham to feed wide to Emily who was clear to run in from half-way to make it 1-1. The 2nd period tarted well with Pippa Shay making a good 30m run, Evie Holme was prominent with a turnover and fine catching in full back role. Sofia was next to show her power, her run and fine off load gave Katie a chance for a determined run to reach and score. The girls were moving the ball well although the line was too flat. Into the last session the spirit was good keeping each going as fatigue was building. Lily Bell on her debut made a fine mazy cross field run to neatly pass to Lili T-P who again ran well to score from 30m for a 3-1 lead.

The Barbarians had some fine individual players including Garstang 13 who sped in for two tries to make it 3-3. The team had to dig deep into their energy reserves, Maisy long kick off and good chase by Evie put them on the attack and Leila Robinson carried strongly through the defence. From a penalty the last play of the game Amber placed a kick perfectly in front of the posts, Leila Robinson chased and the ball came to Penny to score for a 4-3 win. Another excellent game where the girls character and stamina was fully tested. The U15s next m is on Sunday 23rd May away to Netherhall with an 11am kick off.

Squad
Charlotte Harnwell, Emily Hetherington, Chloe Brown, Sofia Hellivik, Leila Robinson, Penny Robinson, Hazel Harrison, Pippa Shay (Capt) Rebecca Newby, Amber Beaty, Evie Holme, Lily Bell, Jess Graham and Katie Smith.

U13 GIRLS
Penrith’s U13 girls’ team also got a chance to play last weekend thanks to the festival held at Kirkby Lonsdale. Five team members were available to travel to Kirby Lonsdale and enjoyed some coaching, touch rugby then full contact games. The girls all played very well.
Thanks to Kirby Lonsdale coaches for running the sessions and Keswick coaches who helped integrate the girls and new Penrith RUFC girls’ coach Elizabeth Brook.

Players
Matilda McTear, Evie Wallace, Eleaner Brook, Tallulah Longrigg and Paige Wilson.
The U13s girls’ next match is on Wednesday 26th May at Penrith Rugby Club – the match will be a mixture of touch rugby and introduction to contact aimed at NEW PLAYERS!
Anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch and come along to training on Friday evenings 4.30pm-6pm. Contact Nigel 07793121104 or n.beaty@sky.com.

LOOKING FORWARD

Our U10s team have 10 girls in their team which is absolutely fantastic to hear as we look to progress players up through the mini section into the youth and junior teams. We look forward to hear how the girls progress and hope that many of them will continue to play together up through the ages.