The EC coaches and selectors were highly impressed with the standard, and we are confident that a good number will be selected for Regional representation, even though the selectors have said that they face a tough job!

Sunday, September 20 saw the first 'Pitch up and Play' cluster at Thetford RFC for all girls' teams in the U13, U15 and U18 age groups across Eastern Counties. Because the standard of coaching and also standard of player's abilities is so much greater this season, it has been decided that all clusters will be match play, which will only improve the girls' skills further.

Sudbury Girls are combining with Ipswich and Colchester this season to form the West Suffolk Baabaas U15 and U18 teams to compete in the local cup competition, with matches against Market Harborough, Old Northamptonians, Leamington and two other 'cluster' teams, one from Woodbridge, Beccles & Diss and one from Peterborough & Olney.

The cluster teams are a fantastic way of ensuring clubs where girls' numbers are ordinarily too few for a full team can still offer match play.

Tomorrow there will be the first cup match for West Suffolk Baabaas, away at Market Harborough with matches played by both U15 and U18 teams.

Exciting times ahead for the Girls' section this season, with five cup competition matches, two 7-a-side tournaments and the Sudbury Touch tournament in their schedule.

If you know any girls between the ages of 11 and 17 who would like to give rugby a go, please give them my contact details - 07564 409019 or jinx002@hotmail.com - or invite them to come along to our Wednesday evening training sessions 6:45-8:15pm. Our girls are a very welcoming bunch, and it's always good to see new faces!

Laura Hainey, Girls coach/Committee representative
From the Romford programme, September 26