U12s make their debut

The first Ever Hertfordshire U12 team took the field today in an exhibition game at the Rochford Festival. The late withdrawl of a team from Sussex, and the loss of several Essex girls to a minis fixture in Kent, did result in a more low key event than had been hoped.

It was an "unofficial" match - neither county currently recognises an official girls U12 team - but the girls and spectators did not worry about such niceities. Seven Herts girls made the long trip to south Essex, on a day blessed with glorious sunshine, and wore some specially prepared t-shirts with pride.

In fact the Herts girls outnumbered their hosts and so the first try by a Herts U12 girls was scored by Byrony Pomfret against Hertfordshire.

"Essex" (mainly Rochford's U12s) were five tries up on the small pitch before Herts scored - and 7-2 ahead at half time - but the girls in green did not give up. Inspired in the second half by Byrony changing sides Herts gradually closed the gap, drawing level in the final minute before stealing the game in the final play, coming out 12-11 winners.

A few girls also arrived a bit late for the team photo at the start (below) - Rochford RFC can be a challenge to find!