Hertfordshire Women's and Girls' Rugby

RFUW Development Squad v. Combined Services November 11th

2009-11-09T20:33:00.003Z

A Game between RFUW Development Squad and Combined Services is taking place at Aldershot RFC on Rememberance Day on 11th November at 3.30. It is the Curtain raiser for the Men's Combined Services versus Barbarians Game taking pace at 7.30.

The RFUW Development Squad comprises of England Under 20 Players, and Players who are on the fringes of the England Women's Elite 44 Squad.

Three OA Saints Players are in the RFUW Development Squad:

Sarah McKenna (13)
Millie Fuggles (17)
Geri Thomas (19)

Gloucestershire v. Somerset v. Herts Girls 8th November 2009 Gordon League RFC results

2009-11-09T20:16:00.003Z

Under 18:

Glos U18 5 Herts U18 12 (Alice Finn Welwyn Tx1, Courtney Arberry Welwyn Tx1, Hannah Gallagher Welwyn C x1).

Glos made an impressive start to the game and displayed excellent forward skills, dominating the scrum, rucks and mauls. Herts defended well playing up the slope, but with the game being played well inside the Herts half, the Gloucester forwards eventually broke through from close range to score the first try of the game. Herts made a number of breaks deep into Gloucestershire territory, but just could not find the final pass to score. The half-time team talk and the introduction of Frankie Dawson resulted in much more aggressive forward play from Herts with the scrum being more evenly matched. Herts were now enjoying more possession and territory and the backs began to test the Gloucester defence with good runs from Chloe Baker and Georgia Peedle. Mid-way through the second half, Gloucester attacked from defence but trademark stealing of the ball by Sam Voyle at the breakdown enabled the back line to put Alice Finn in space. She showed good pace to get to the corner and level the scores at 5 points all. Herts piled on the pressure in the final quarter of the game and it was Gloucester’s turn to hang on in defence. The back-row were now leading the way with charges by Frankie Dawson, but it was Courtney Arberry who drove over from close quarters to put Herts into the lead. Hannah Gallagher converted and Herts won with a scoreline of 12-5.

Somerset U18 0 Herts U18 10 (Hannah Gallagher Welwyn Tx1, Alice Finn Welwyn T x1).

This game looked like another forward battle with the Herts new shape front row and back row to the fore. Herts lineout was also functioning well with Jess Robinson in good form all afternoon. But the game was dramatically changed by a brilliant individual run by Hannah Gallagher who beat numerous players in a run from the half way line to score the opening try. The second try came shortly afterwards as a result of good team pressure on the Somerset back line. From a Somerset mistake the ball was passed to Alice Finn who again showed good pace to score the second try and make the score 10-0. It looked like Herts might run away with the game but great credit to Somerset who battled hard. Several final attacks by Herts were foiled by good defence and the final scoreline remained at 10-0.

Under 15:

Glos U15 15 Herts U15 0.

Somerset 19 Herts U15 10 (Lotte Clapp Welwyn Tx2).

Hertfordshire Locality Budget Scheme

2009-10-18T21:18:00.003+01:00

Is your club looking for a small funding boost to help support - perhaps - coach training, new equipment, or a community project? If so, a new (and little publicised) scheme launched by Hertfordshire County Council could be useful.

Each elected member of the council has £10,000 to spend on "worthwhile community projects" in their area through "locality budgets" and applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposal with their local member before completing your application.

If they are in agreement, you then complete a simple online application and - once submitted- this is reviewed by your local member who then recommends whether the grant should be awarded. A formal decision will then be made by the council’s chief legal officer, but assuming everything is okay you should receive the agreed funding within 2-3 months.

For more information see these documents on the HCC website.

Herts Sports Partnership: Service to Sport Awards 2009

2009-10-07T22:59:00.002+01:00

For the 4th year in a row Herts Womens and Girls Rugby Clubs won accolades at the Annual Herts Sports Partnership Service to Sports Awards:

Coach of the Year (Male)

2nd: Greg Maxwell (Welwyn Warriors).
3rd: Ed Knighton (OA Saints).

Community Club of the Year:

Winners: OA Saints.
3rd: Welwyn Warriors.

Herts Coaching Handbook and County Yearbook

2009-10-05T17:42:00.003+01:00

Electronic copies of the complete Herts Coaching Handbook and Herts RFU Yearbook can now be viewed and downloaded from the Herts RFU website. This is the first time that electronic copies of either publication has been made available, complete and free.

The Coaching Handbook contains valuable information for all coaches in the county, or for anyone thinking of becoming a coach. It includes information about courses (for both coaches and referees), expected player standards, tips on effective coaching, and a who's who of the county's coaching team.

The Yearbook is an invaluable source of information about all clubs across the county, including women's clubs and teams.

Rugby Awareness Week, 16-20 November

2009-10-01T12:19:00.002+01:00

HERTS RUGBY AWARENESS WEEK

What is it?
An idea of 2 young ladies aged 15, Oren Blindell and Rachel Mccullough,who play for Welwyn, which will benefit boys and girls rugby across the county.

When?
A week in November, Monday 16th November to Friday 20th November.

Where?
In schools across the county, all 70 senior schools we hope.

What will happen?
At least 1 boy and 1 girl who play club rugby, will talk in each school, during assembly, to tell other young people about-

the fun
the friendship
the respect, good sportsmanship, discipline, within the game
where to play rugby in Herts
to ask their school (if relevant) to develop both girls and boys rugby teams
keeping healthy and active through training as well as matches

Myself and the CRC's will be asking for permission for the young speakers to be able to wear their rugby shirt in school that day.

Rachel and Oren are going to produce, posters, leaflets and newsletter, to go out that week too. They are also hoping to make a DVD of Herts Youth Rugby, for every school to show during that week, which will be distributed to the young players who will be doing the assembly.

The young players who would like to speak in the assemblies, will be given help and guidance about what to say.

What do we, the clubs have to do?
I or the CRC's will be in touch with you to find out which players might be interested in speaking in their school assembly. We want every club which has youth rugby, involved. So please talk to your players and find out who is keen to participate. The RDO and CRC's already have some young people lined up- the CSLA students, but we will need at least 70 boys and girls.

What will be the benefit to clubs?
Hopefully it will raise awareness of rugby, and clubs will see new youth members coming along to training sessions. We also hope that with this and other parts of the project, more schools will develop girls rugby, and more schools will enter teams into the schools leagues and into the Emerging Schools competitions, or similar.

What do we need to do now?
Please e-mail me with the names of players willing to speak in their school, with the school name and which club they are from.

Amanda Bate

07523 119436
amanda.bate@hotmail.com
www.sportsupport.vpweb.co.uk

U15 Hertfordshire Girls' League

2009-10-01T09:43:00.003+01:00

The new Hertfordshire Girls' U15 development league begins this weekend. Fixtures arranged to date appear below:

International women's rugby website launches

2009-09-30T01:34:00.003+01:00

Scrum Queens - the first independent website dedicated to women's rugby worldwide - has been launched. Edited by former Irish Women's RFU's press officer Alison Donnelly it includes contributions from across the rugby world and will aim to cover all international women's rugby.

The growing team of writers come from all parts of the world, not just major nations such as England or the USA, but growing nations such as Singapore and Kenya as well, and will aim to cover the women's game from a independent viewpoint.

The site also makes full use of the latest internet technology with feeds on Twitter and Facebook.

Herts Women push Middlesex all the way

2009-09-29T18:22:00.002+01:00

Middlesex 20, Hertfordshire 15 (HT: 20-0)

Hertfordshire ladies started their 2009 county rugby championship off with a combative performance away to favourites Middlesex.

Playing at Grasshoppers rugby club in London, the facilities were excellent and the pitch, though firm, was very well kept. The side were lacking some cohesion after having had only one training session prior to the game, and that with a depleted squad. However, Herts showed no lack endeavour against a strong Middlesex side that were very used to playing with one another.

In the first half, Herts started well and managed to build periods of pressure that, unfortunately, were not turned into points on the board. Simple errors cost Herts both points and possession. Middlesex capitalised on these mistakes and were able to run in 4 tries which flattered them on the scoreboard.

During the half time team talk, Captain Nadia Brannon gave a rousing team talk with coach Gareth Lewis giving the team areas to improve upon.

In the second half, Herts kept control on the ball much better and started to put Middx under pressure. Herts nearly scored after some brilliant support play, only to be stopped, illegally, just short. Captain Nadia took a quick tap penalty, span out of the attempted tackle and dived in to score a good individual effort to cap off some brilliant team play.

Perhaps sensing that Herts were back in the match and putting them under intense pressure, the Middlesex players started to drop like flies. At virtually every stoppage there were one or two Middx players down injured. This disrupted the flow of the game and Herts did well to maintain their focus. One injury was very real though and a Middx player had to go to hospital for an x-ray after one particularly crunching Herts tackle. She was accompanied by Hertfordshire winger Helena, who was suffering breathing difficulties after a crushed chest.

After this enforced break in play, Herts picked up where they had left off. Fullback replacement Megan making a good break, feeding winger Mihi who in turn offloaded to back row forward Geri in support to run in a stunning support play try.

Back in the game, Herts threw everything at Middx and were rewarded with another score from winger Mihi before the end but couldn’t quite catch up the lead they had given up in the 1st half. A Jekyll and Hyde performance in many respects, small errors giving up points but great team work, defence and attacking play, Herts can be proud of their performance and take many positives into their next game at home versus Kent.

Hampshire Girls v. Herts Girls 27th September 2009 Petersfield RFC results

2009-09-27T18:11:00.002+01:00

Under 18:

Hampshire U18 27 Herts U18 10 (Shira Kilgannon Welwyn Tx1, Hannah Gallagher Welwyn Tx1).

Under 15:

Hampshire U15 20 Herts U15 10 (Lotte Clapp Welwyn Tx1, Sydney Gregson Letchworth Tx1).

Herts Girls Under 18 Squad 2009-10

2009-09-19T17:43:00.002+01:00

Following the Herts U18 Girls County Trial that took place last Sunday the Squad selected is as follows:

Courtney Arberry
Chloe Baker
Laura Barnard
Harriet Bullock
Megan Childs
Scarlett Cooper-Wall
Francis Dawson
Charlie Faloona
Alice Finn
Hannah Gallagher
Sydnie Grace
Laura Haddon
Shira Kilgallon
Sarah Lambsdon
Abi Lee
Alice LLeliot
Alice Nee
Georgia Peedle
Jess Robinson
Emily Scott
Kate Sellars
Claire Shuttler
Natalie Threlfall
Sam Voyle
Emma Wilson
Hannah Winfield

A large squad has been selected to give as many players as possible the opportunity to play at County level.

Every player will take part in at least one game / Tournament but, with a squad of this size, it will not be possible for every player to take part in every game/tournament.

On September 27th, a game against Hampshire U18s (and an equivalent Game at U15) has been arranged in place of the Sussex tournament which has been cancelled. The game will take place at Petersfield RFC. Kick-off (for both Games) is 2pm. The coaches and managers will be in contact with the squad to let them know of selection for the game and confirm the Transport plan.

The provisional plan for transportation of Players selected in both U15 and U18 Squads is a Coach from Reg’s Coaches has been booked with timings as follows:

10.45: Coach to leave outside entrance to main campus Herts University Hatfield AL10 9AB.
@12.45: arrive at Petersfield RFC, Penns Place, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 4EP (Directions for those travelling independently- M25 then A3 southbound on entering Petersfield follow signs for the East Hampshire District Council offices, the ground is next door).
@4.30: Leave Petersfield.
@6.30: arrive back at Herts University.

Seniors confirm training and first fixture

2009-09-17T17:37:00.002+01:00

The first women's county training session will now be on 23rd September at St Albans RFC, starting at 7pm (AL4 0HL - close to St Albans City centre, near Smallford). This will be preparation for the first county fixtures which it has been confirmed will take place on the following Sunday (27th) in Middlesex.

U15s v Hampshire, 27th September - and other U15 news

2009-09-17T17:21:00.004+01:00

Message from Adrian, the U15 coach:

We have heard that the organisers of the Sussex Festival, planned for the 27th September, have not been able to get enough referees so have had to cancel it. Hampshire have offered a match for us against their U15s, which we have accepted. This unfortunately means we can only take an 'A' team and not a development team as well.

The following girls have been selected to represent Herts U15 girls on the 27th September:

Abbie Maxwell (Welwyn)
Chloe-Jean Carpenter (Saracens)
Olivia Lee (Welwyn)
Melissa Gargaro (Saracens)
Nancy Harrison (OAs)
Amber King (Welwyn)
Rachel Selwood (Welwyn)
Bryony Pomfret (Welwyn)
Lotte Clapp (Welwyn)
Penny Gilbert (Saracens)
Sidney Nurthern (Welwyn)
Beth Summerfield (Welwyn)
Kate Summerfield (Welwyn)
Ellie Huhrer (Welwyn)
Phoenix Page (Hertford)
Ellah Hughes (Letchworth)
Stevie Farrow (Welwyn)
Sydney Gregson (Letchworth)

Please could the above girls e-mail me to let me know whether you are available or not, so we can make any changes to the team as soon as possible.

A coach has been booked to pick us from the Sports Village at Hatfield University, I will let you know the details nearer the time.

For those girls who have not been selected on this occassion, we look forward to you coming along to the next training session in October, as you are all valuable members of the Herts U15 squad.

Peter McCullough adds...

If you have not been selected for the Herts Under 15 ‘A’ Squad on this occasion please continue to come to the County Training Afternoons scheduled throughout the Season, as I am in the process of organising Herts Under 15 ‘Development’ fixtures against other County’s ‘Development’ Teams.

I have already organised for one of these to take place in Hertfordshire on Sun 6th Dec (when the Herts Under 15 ‘A’ Team are playing in a Tournament in Nottinghamshire) against Sussex Under 15 ‘Development’ Team. Everyone coming to the Herts U15 County Training Afternoons will be given the opportunity to represent Hertfordshire in these Games (others will be organised throughout the Season).

Herts Womens and Girls Rugby Development Group Meeting Mon 21st Sept 09

2009-09-17T16:52:00.002+01:00

The next meeting of the HWGRDG is taking place on Mon 21st Sept at Welwyn RFC in the Committee Room starting at 7.30. If you have not previously attended these meetings (usually 3 times a year) this group works together to plan Tournaments, run the County Teams, exchange Best Practice and advice, and to try and help each other develop Womens and Girls Rugby in Herts. If your club does not send a rep to the group and would like to do so please e-mail me on peter.mccullough@ntlworld.com

Hertfordshire senior trials and fixtures

2009-09-03T11:39:00.007+01:00

Jo Feakes from Tabard is running the Hertfordshire Women's County Team this year. This is the second season the senior county team has been running and they are looking to build on the work from last year. Head coach will be Gareth Lewis who also coached the team last year. Jo and Gareth would like to see members from all Women's Hertfordshire teams and any Girls that are now eligible to play (ie. aged 18 or more on the date of any of the games listed below).

*** Trials/Training will be held Sunday 13th September at Stevenage RFC at 1.30pm ***

Stevenage Rugby Club - SG1 4BB. Jo will publish the timings and any other details shortly.

London and South East County Tournament details also appear below. This involves three weeks of games at different venues. These dates may be subject to change due to the first games showing as 27th Sept - for many teams this had been the 1st training session. If it is kept as it is, we will discuss and arrange a training date before this.

Dates -

13th Sept - Trials at Stevenage RFC
27th Sept - L&SE fixtures v Middlesex and Sussex (Middlesex - TBC)
14th Oct - Scheduled as Training - location TBC
18th Oct - L&SE fixtures v Essex and Bucks (Hertfordshire - TBC)
15th Nov - L&SE finals (one game) (Essex - TBC)
Further Training to be scheduled.

Please pass this information on to all members of your teams or to the relevant people- and let Jo know the days and times that you train so she can organise training sessions with the least amount of disruption.

The county are also looking to do a tour in March / April with games against Cornwall and Devon. Dates and locations for this will be confirmed. Contact Jo if you have any questions.

RFUW survey: U18 to Senior Rugby

2009-08-23T18:38:00.003+01:00

The RFUW want to hear from as many former U18 girls who are moving into adult rugby this year (or even if they are no longer playing). Please take time to complete the very short survey. A press release issued by RFUW explains why this is important:

"At the RFUW we are keen to support our players through the player pathway, and to ensure that they are making informed choices about their rugby development.

Many of you will be heading off to university soon and will be looking to continue your rugby journey at this important time in your life. You will have loads to think about, and rugby may not be something you have considered yet.

It isn’t our decision where you play rugby, and we would never try to make that choice for you. However, below are some questions that you should be asking yourself when thinking about your options. Remember though that these are only a few suggestions; there are many more aspects to consider:

Will you playing regular rugby, at a level that is right for you?
Will you have access to high quality coaching, that is matched to your skill level and ability?
Will you have to travel long distances to get to training?
Does the club have a good off field set up, i.e. are there good people behind the scenes to help you out in your transition to senior rugby?

At the RFUW we have excellent staff members and volunteers who can help you with this step up to senior rugby. If you would like to receive some information from us, or you just want to let us know where you’re off to, please click on the link below to complete a short and simple survey telling us just that. We can then use this to put you in touch with the right people.

http://www.rfu.com/SelectSurveyNET/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=m2MLll2"

Herts County Girls Trial Sun 13th September Welwyn RFC

2009-08-13T22:48:00.004+01:00

On Sun 13th September Herts County Girls Training and Trials are taking place at Welwyn RFC.

All 9-17 Age Players, regardless of level of experience, are invited to attend, but must bring a signed Parental Consent Form, available from their Club Coach / Manager, with them on the day to give to the County Age Group Team Managers on arrival.

In addition attendees should also bring: Clothing suitable for playing Rugby in either Hot or Cold Weather (depending on conditions on the day); Trainers or Boots (dependent on the Ground conditions); Mouthguard: plenty of Liquid; Energy Bars.

All Players are asked to arrive by 12.45 and they will be split into the 3 Age Groups: Under 12 (School Years 5,6,7), Under 15 (School Years 8,9,10) and Under 18 (School Years 11, 12, 13) by the respective County Coaches. Each Age Group will have a separate Pitch and Training / Trial will start after 1.00.

The number of Players attending will dictate whether Herts Girls will be able to field an 'A' and 'Development' side at each Age Group in the 2009-10 Season.

Hertfordshire senior trials

2009-08-10T23:19:00.002+01:00

The new contact for the county senior team is Jo Feakes of Tabard.

A full programme of county rugby is planned for what will be Hertfordshire's senior team's second season. Coaches are currently being organised and it is anticipated that trials will be on 6th or 13th September.

More information will appear in the next few weeks.

Grants from district councils for county and regional players

2009-06-02T09:49:00.002+01:00

North Herts District Council have announced that the next round of grants for elite sports people om the district is now open - but applications need to be in by 19th June. Nearly £8000 is available for distribution to any regional players aged 19-23, and also to any coaches working with regional athletes.

The North Herts scheme is only open to people living in the district - but it is just one example of the grants available available to "elite athletes" from most district councils in Hertfordshire.

The terms and size of awards will vary, as will the application process. Some - like the North Herts scheme - will be limited to regional players, but some will be available to county representatives. Some will be based on an annual bidding competition, some every six months, some will be available throughout the year.

But the main thing is that these awards are there - and it is well worth your while applying for them. Remember that the awards will be almost certainly based on where you live - not where your club or school is - so if (for example) you played for Welwyn but lived in Sawbridgeworth you would need to apply to East Hertfordshire District Council for grants, not Welwyn and Hatfield.

National Girls 7's 2009 Results Harpenden RFC 23rd May

2009-05-25T18:40:00.004+01:00

U15's:

Cup: Winners - Worcester; R/U - Welwyn.

Plate: Winners - H3; R/U - Exeter Saracens.

U18's:

Cup: Winners - Reading; R/U - Welwyn.

Plate: Winners - Letchworth; R/U - H3.

Herts Girls 7's 2009 Results Old Albanians RFC 17th May

2009-05-17T20:23:00.006+01:00

U12's:

Cup: Winners - Hertford; R/U - Stevenage.
U15's:

Cup: Winners - Paviors; R/U - Worcester.
Plate: Winners - Hertford; R/U - Bucks Cluster.
Bowl: Winners - Saracens; R/U - West Oxon
Shield: Winners - Oakmedians; R/U - Old Northamptians.
Egg Cup: Winners - Old Albanians; R/U - Letchworth

U18's:Cup: Winners - Welwyn; R/U - Reading.
Plate: Winners - Burfield; R/U - West Oxon.
Bowl: Winners - Suffolk Sabres; R/U - Bucks Cluster.
Shield: Winners - Plymouth; R/U - Saracens.

Girls National Cup Finals Lichfield RFC 10th May

2009-05-10T22:51:00.002+01:00

National Under 18 Cup Final:

Worcester 8 Reading 24

National Under 15 Cup Final:

Paviors 3 Welwyn 5

Worthing 10's Girls Festival Results

2009-05-06T06:40:00.002+01:00

U12's:

Cup: Winners - Kent.

Plate: Winners - Worthing.

U15's:

Cup: Winners - Paviors; R/U - Welwyn.

Plate: Winners - Cardiff HSOB; R/U - Folkstone.

Shield: Winners - Worcester; R/U - South Sussex

U18's:

Cup: Winners - Ellingham and Wimborne; R/U - Reading.

Plate: Winners - Oakmedians; R/U - Letchworth.

Girls National Emerging Schools Competition

2009-05-04T10:43:00.005+01:00

Presdales School from Ware in Herts won the National Final for the Girls Emerging Schools (School Year 7) Competition played at Twickenham in front of the Crowd who were attending the Annual Army v. Navy Game.

There were 2 previous Rounds that they had won through:

Semi-Final stage at Staines RFC on the Morning of the Final.
London North stage where they had played against Barking Abbey (Essex), Queens (Bushey Herts), Nobel (Stevenage Herts) and Waldergrave (Middlesex).

For a full report see the RFU website

Draw for Herts 7s 2009

2009-04-28T23:37:00.003+01:00

The draw for Herts 7s, to be held at Old Albanians on 17th May, was made at Welwyn yesterday evening. This will be the largest ever Herts 7s and will feature 20 U15 and 16 U18 teams, as well as a U12 competition.

U15s :

Group A : Worcester, Berks Barbarians, Norfolk Nomads, Old Northamptonians, Letchworth
Group B : London Irish, Bucks Jesters, West Oxon, Ealing, OAs
Group C : Paviors, Oakmedians, Saracens, Hertford, Wasps
Group D : Welwyn, Aylestone St. James, Plymouth Albion, Camberley, Stevenage

U18s :

Group A : Paviors, Suffolk Sabres, Saracens, West Oxon
Group B : Reading, Aylestone St. James, Thomas Beckett, Hertford
Group C : Letchworth, Oakmedians A, Ealing, Old Northamptonians
Group D : Welwyn, Bucks Jesters, Plymouth Albion, Oakmedians B

The draw for the U12 competition will be made on the day.