Report by Ladies Co-captain Claire Evans

The Lutterworth Ladies 1st team started the 2019/2020 season with great expectation, hype, excitement, and a huge amount of hard work during the pre-season which began as soon as the 2018/2019 season finished doing fitness sessions every Wednesday evening with Steve Crick. This was taxing physically, but big gains were seen once the ladies took to the field for the first time in September.

The 19/20 league season started out well with a win against Derby Vipers 17-15 to Lutterworth. The Ladies hungry to make this season a truly memorable one carried on winning the next 9 league games right up until February 2nd when the first defeat was had to Hitchin Women, who went on to win the 19/20 league.

Alongside the League the Lutts Ladies also had entry in the Women’s International Cup and drew Birmingham Moseley, a team currently a league above Lutts, in the first round. Losing 15-29 this result automatically moved Lutts into the Junior Cup competition and the second game was away to Drybrook Ladies in Gloucestershire. They compete in the same league level as Lutterworth but across region in Women’s NC 1 West. The result was another loss unfortunately with a closely fought contest and final score of 15-12. As it was a bus trip for the team the normal rules applied, Christmas themed fancy dress being the requirement. We are yet to meet a team able to compete with Lutts when it comes to the team buyin of fancy dress!

All told the Ladies played 14 league matches, won 9, drew 2 and lost 3. Scoring 402 points conceding 203 points. Also managing 6 try bonus points and 2 losing bonus points gaining a total of 49 points and 2nd place spot.

Finishing in 2nd place surpassed the team target of 4th place, a fantastic achievement in a season that has seen lots of positive change within the women’s section namely a new team Sponsor; Mulberry homes, and the growth in numbers resulting in the formation of a 2nd team.

Year on year the Lutterworth women's section has grown in numbers and with the transitioning of our junior girls to seniors future development and structure is key. As you have read above, the team set targets this season and the introduction of a 2nd XV and regular games was another of those. Playing socially the team played 11 of 15 scheduled games with the aspiration to join a league in September 2020.
Read more about our 2nd team season, Click here.

Any end of year report is not complete without thanking a few people who helped make this team such a joy to be part of.

Firstly to the coaches, Andy (Head coach) Luke (Backs coach) Mark (Forward Coach) and Les (Forward Coach) who have been immense this season, giving up time to drive the women’s section forward, which is not always an easy task. Thankyou.

To Dan the Physio who has provided great support to the women squad with side-line first aid, injury treatment and recovery. And also for the endless amounts of strapping to knees, ankles, arms, shoulders….we could go on!

To Joanna for taking the pictures during our home matches. We know that you do this as a hobby but the team love to look back over them for match day memories or to aid in progression. We are hugely grateful.

To Steve Crick for boots camps throughout the off season, a huge positive for the team as the fitness showed in the latter part of games when opposition are beginning to flag.

And Finally, to our supporters who came to watch the team play week after week. Your support has pushed us over the finish line for a win time and time again. We are so grateful for the positive atmosphere you all bring.