In a game played in torrential rain, blazing sunshine, and all points in between Herts U12s fought hard against Kent today. This was much more inexperienced team than played against the same opposition at Hitchin in November, and that proved to be the difference against a more experienced opposition used to playing alongside each other as Kent ran out winners by 27-0. Herts were unlucky not to score - at least two of Kent's tries coming from breakaways after long periods of Herts pressure.
However, was that the girls clearly enjoyed the day - which is the main aim of the programme. U12 county rugby is all about giving girls more opportunities to get onto the field. It allows girls who have played little or no contact rugby to get a game, as well as encouraging girls who currently play mini rugby to stay in the game buy allowing them to play in an environment where they are not dominated (or ignored) because they are the only girl in the team.
The Herts U12 programme - which seems to be one of the largest and most active in the country has succeeded in these aims this year. Over 20 girls have played in a Hertfordshire shirt. While some of these girls are regular players, over half of those involved have either begun playing rugby at club level as a result, or revived rugby careers that had faltered. As a result we have gone some way to reduce the loss of girls from the game between the U9 and U12 age bands.
Then two weeks later, the return at arctic Hitchin - a picture which gives just a small hint about the temperature. The girls are not gathering together for warmth, though - this was one of many Hertfordshire mauls...
