What a year it has been for what appears to be the better half of the senior 1st XV set-up here at The Sycamores. After starting the season off the back of winning the national cup in the 2016-2017 season against a very strong now premiership Gloucester-Hartpury side, it really did seem like there wasn't much more for the ladies to achieve. However, we were wrong.

With a pretty much unchanged side from last season, the ladies and Andrew Clithero had their eyes on the biggest prize of all, something they had never achieved before, winning the Championship. For those who don't know, below the women's premiership sits the Championship North 1 and Championship South 1. The winners of each league battle it out to be crowed National Championship winners.

Our small club from Leeds went unbeaten all season and were crowned the Championship North 1 winners and went on to beat Thurrock rather convincingly to be crowned the National Championship winners for the 2017-2018 season, officially the best team outside of the Tyrells Premiership in England. They were also narrowly beaten in the National Cup semi-finals 19-17 away to a very strong Harlequins side.

Proud coach Andrew Clithero had this to say about his teams achievements this season "I am really proud of everyone who has been involved in the success we had last season. The players were exceptional and were a team of mates who worked hard at training and played for each other on the pitch with no egos, which was a massively important part of our success. But it wasn't just the players that were great, we have a fantastic team manager, Leslie Wilkes, and parents and supporters who have travelled up and down the country to games are the best I have ever known. To be shortlisted for this award is a great honour for the club and I would personally like to thank them for all the support they gave us last year. I would love the players to get an award like this but whatever the outcome is, I am sure it will be a great night".

Team Captain Viki Pinks was also very proud of what they had achieved this season "What a season! Its amazing to be part of a squad who win together, celebrate together and pick each other up on the (rare) occasions it doesn't go our way. Everyone involved this season has contributed to our success, and I'm glad the girls are getting some recognition for their commitment and talent. I'm so proud to have lead the team through such a successful season, and looking forward to being just as formidable in the 2018/2019 season with an amazing squad of girls around me. I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported the squad this season, we couldn't have done it all without the support of the club, spectators and everyone else involved. We are already the team of the year in my eyes - so fingers crossed we will bring another trophy back to The Sycamores".

On behalf of the club, we would like to wish the girls a massive good luck at the awards, joined by their team mate Sarah Dunn who is nominated for Female Player of the Year.

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