Outwood Grange 44 Sirius Academy 36
The Year 10 girls rugby team came up against National Finalists Outwood Grange in a friendly match to prepare both teams for the Yorkshire Tournament in Leeds next week. It was a much needed run out for the year 10 team, which also had 2 year 9’s included in the squad. The Sirius team started slowly, and in the first ten minute game they struggled to work as a team in attack and defence, lacking a bit of enthusiasm in both areas. Outwood had played last week and showed they were much more organised than us in the first quarter, but it wasn’t long before Sirius got on their stride and started to improve individually and as a team. Esther Godwin and Jorden Shakespear (year 9) were the stand out performers in defence and attack, proving too strong and fast for the Outwood Grange team and going over for three tries each throughout the forty minute match (which consisted of 4 x 10minute quarters). Ebony Hepworth showed why she captains the team and really led by example, not only on the pitch but also getting the girls together and working for each other, she capped off a fine performance by getting two well worked tries of her own through some great support play. As the game progressed strong runs from Jodie Shimells and Melissa Tulley made some good yards forward to get Sirius into the right areas of the pitch. Megan Kay did not put a foot wrong at the acting half back position, and on the back of a quick scoot and play the ball, the quick thinking Megan Atkinson saw the gap and went over for a try of her own. Sirius know they need to improve in defence, but the addition of Chloe Gray and Leoni Campbell to the talented squad did help the squad with some very good tackles. Olivia Young showed her strength and speed on numerous occasions on the wing and hopefully will come looking for the ball more, as she is so dangerous in attack. Megan Whittles got an early knock and was unable to continue and as the game progressed Shauna Jones showed her skill and got much more involved, not taking a backwards step, even though she was playing a year above herself.
The girls have shown what they are capable of, and only just getting beat by two tries by the National Finalists from last year really gives the girls some hope of achieving the national finals this year, and a possible a trip to Wembley. The year 10 girls by their own admission have probably underperformed in recent tournaments, and as they came so close last year to reaching the National Finals they are determined to work hard to go that one step further this year. You could see how much the girls had improved throughout the match, as they lost the first quarter by 2 tries, the second by one try, drew the third and then managed to get a win in the fourth.
Next up for this age group is the East Riding Rugby Union Competition next Wednesday at Driffield RUFC and then on the Thursday they will play in Leeds in the Yorkshire Finals.
Please congratulate the girls on their performance and attitude.
Special thanks to Gemma Barton for driving the minibus and her continued support with the girls rugby teams.
Year 10 Girls RL Squad from the game: Melissa Tulley, Leoni Campbell, Megan Kay, Olivia Young, Ebony Hepworth, Megan Atkinson, Esther Godwin, Megan Whittles, Jodie Shimmells, Chloe Gray, Jordan Shakespear (Year 9), Shauna Jones (Year 9)