This weekend saw the inaugural 7s tournament for the newly reformed Barnsley Ladies RUFC. The ladies were up against stiff competition from much more experienced sides at the South Yorkshire 7s at Dinnington.
The first match against York RI got off to a bad start with two tries conceded in the first half, despite valiant efforts from hooker Hannah Greenaway and Kelly Olivier. The second half began more positively for the side with a try from debut winger Leonora Salvucci. Seasoned fly half Rosie Whittaker then made a break to score Barnsley’s second which she then converted but it was not enough as York quickly responded to score a third try and take the victory 15-12.
The second match against Doncaster was much more one sided with Doncaster winning 34-0 despite Barnsley’s best efforts. Fantastic rucking and tackling from Beccah Bennett, Kelly Olivier and Sarah Palmer showed signs of greater things to come for the young side and there were some fantastic breaks made by Rosie and Leonora, but Barnsley just couldn’t score.
The final match of the day was against Championship winners Sheffield Ladies. Despite the formidable opponents, Rosie Whittaker capitalised on a cheeky offload to score a try within the first thirty seconds. Sheffield were quick to respond with a try and conversion to make it 7-5. Barnsley made repeated breaks in the second half and were unlucky with a forward pass just before the line. Great tackling from winger Jennifer Evans and forward Simone Saunders saw the Barnsley Ladies rally, determined to win the game. But Sheffield made another break and took the score to 12-5. With the last play of the match, prop Suzi Smith made an awesome kick and chase, but it was too late for the Barnsley Ladies.
All in all an enjoyable and very promising start for the Barnsley ladies.

If anyone would like to come to training, the team trains every Wednesday from 7-8 pm at Shaw Lane.