The U14 Girls overcome a combined team made up of the best players from Cooke, Carrick, and Ophir Rugby Clubs by 24 – 5 in the U14 Girls Shield Competition. Despite the heavens opening in the first 10 minutes, leaving the conditions extremely wet under foot, it was the Valley who were to cross the line first to open the scoring. A surging run from Rachel Henderson took the ball deep into the opposition half before it was popped to Charlotte Kirpatrick who scored in the corner. Grace Bracken added the conversion with a brilliant kick from out wide.

Valley’s 2nd try was started by Sarah Shields taking the ball over the halfway line, then good interaction between the forwards created the conditions for Charlotte Boyd to touch down. Grace Bracken added the extra points and the Valley led 14-0. The opposition were to rally and after sustained pressure, they crossed the line for their only score of the game.

The interval had the Valley leading 14-5. The Valley then took control of the game. Lucie Mae Vance made significant gains, then linked up with the pack to drive towards the opposition line, they were held up as they crossed the line, giving the defence a goal line drop out. The kick was cleanly caught by Charlotte Boyd who made significant gains before off-loading to Grace Bracken who put Holly Nelson through for the 3rd try. This try spurred the opposition into action and they put together several phases, putting pressure on the Valley. Elsie Brown managed to get in a steal the ball at the ruck and fed Rachel Henderson who drove forward taking play into the opposition half. A quick ball to Zara Wright gave her the space and time to weave her way into a scoring position but was denied at the last. The Valley’s 4th try came minutes later, when a knock on was snaffled up by Hanna Kirpatrick who made yards up the pitch, linking up with Emma Farmer and then Casey Leigh McClure and finished off by Rachel Henderson using her determination and power to drive over the line.

As the Valley made changes to the team lineup, the opposition pilled on the pressure, but the replacements were good to the task and the Valley defence held strong. Tess Wallace and Erin Campbell came on to the front row and Courtney Browne replaced Grace Bracken. Louisa Montague came onto the wing and made some fantastic tackles, taking the momentum out of the oppositions attack. Grace Campbell made a real nuisance of herself around the pitch, forcing the opposition to made mistakes and giving the Valley to opportunity to attack. It is this unseen work that is essential to a successful team and one that is so underrated in the sport.

The Valley were in the hunt for their 5th try when the referee brought the proceeding to a close. The Valley, the victors 24-5, lifted yet more silverware for the Club trophy cabinet. This match brought the playing season for the whole club to an end. In what has been the Club’s best period at various levels; the players will take a well-earned break before looking towards the pre-season training in what could be another fantastic year.

The Club have a series of events over the whole of the month of May, starting with a Mr& Mrs competition on Sat 6th culminating with the Club Dinner at the end of May. All details are on the Club’s Facebook page.