Page 29 - The College Echo Spring 2019

Sport 27

Girls’ Rugby goes from strength to strength

South and West Devon Festival
On Friday, 1 March the U13 and U15 teams played against teams from South and West
Devon schools at Ivybridge Rugby Club, on the recently installed RFU Artificial Grass
Pitch. The U13 team, led by the experienced Kayleigh, in Year 8 and Nicole, in Year 7,
had a magnificent day, with six wins and one draw.
“With a lot of girls new to rugby it was outstanding to see those taking to the game so
well,” said Mr Shepherd, Head of Rugby at the College.

The U15 Team did equally well, winning their first two matches and then drawing their
final match. Year 9 students, Cat and Lottie, and Ruby, in Year 10, began punching
holes in the central defence, and space was soon created for the likes of Year 9 students
Jay, Molly and Elysia, and Kiera, in Year 10, to exploit. Meanwhile newer players Emily, Isabelle
and Liv, all in Year 9, impressed with excellent work securing the ball, and maintaining a

solid defensive structure for the team.
“It takes some doing to go against more established
teams and put together some cracking phases to
counter attack the defence like they did,”
said Mr Northcott, Rugby Coach.

Girls’ Rugby at Ivybridge Rugby Club
Some of the U13 and many of the U15 side continue to
attend training sessions at the newly established Girls’
Rugby team at IRFC. The College and the Club are
very proud of this collaboration, as it requires a great
deal of hard work setting up new sports in both colleges
and community sports clubs.

Devon Selection
A number of our students attended the Devon
selection days, where the standard of play is at a very
high level. “We are delighted to announce that Year 9 student Niamh was successful at U15
selection. Together with another Year 9 student she has already attended her first training session
and played her first match for the Devon Girls’ team. Well done girls, and we look forward to you
sharing your experiences with us all on the training pitch,” said Mr Kerswell, Science Teacher and
Girls’ Rugby Coordinator.