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The season that never was - match day 6.

The season that never was - match day 6.

Bill Farley7 Mar 2021 - 16:46
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In recognition of International Women's Day we meet Lauren Millward, one of our Demons ladies players.

How long have you been involved with Demons / Phoenix rugby?

It has been nearly three years now, but it has absolutely flown past. I turned up to a training/player recruitment day and never looked back! I had never played rugby before, despite watching the sport, but I have totally fallen in love with playing too.

I have been playing in both centre positions since then.

What has been your rugby highlight?

I am hoping I can sneak two in here…

For me personally, it was at the end of a match that I received my first player of the match - and it was the first time I felt that I could be any good!

The second highlight I would like to mention is the Phoenix/Demons tour in summer 2019. Was a great trip with a greater bunch with many memorable moments.

Which team has proved to be the hardest opposition to the Demons in the last few seasons and why?

I remember Driffield being very difficult to play against and the first time we played them their rucking and physicality really left an impression, but it gave us what to work on in our own game. We played a lot better against them the next time which is a testament to our coaching and attitude of the players!

Who is the Demons best/worst singer?

I am going to leave the ‘best/worst’ in this question because if you have ever seen Ny on a night out, a few pints in, doing Karaoke - you will know it’s both...

Considering the pandemic - did you think we would have gone nearly a year without any rugby?

Definitely not - and I am missing it more and more as time goes on! My fitness has probably suffered as I have not had the routine of training.

What have you missed most about no rugby this season?

Just playing real matches with a great group of ladies! Matchdays are what I miss most outside of social events - which we have all missed.

I would just like to say thanks to Gemma, Beth, and everyone else who made the Zoom sessions possible as they have been great for us and have loved them when I have been able to attend.

What is your occupation, and have you been busy during the pandemic?

I work as a diagnostic radiographer between three hospitals, which involves the imaging of patients including x-rays. Obviously, with the Covid-19 pandemic there have been new challenges, like wearing PPE throughout the shifts and an increase in very ill patients on critical care wards that require chest x-rays, often.

It’s felt busier, as most NHS workers have had to pick up more hours and extra shifts to cover sickness/self-isolation and increased demand. I know I am very lucky to have kept full time work during the pandemic though, and still love what I do.

Do you have any tips for surviving lockdown?

Not sure about tips, but my lockdown (lockdown number one) started as enthusiastically starting some DIY projects, zoom calls with the family and cooking… which progressed to beer and Netflix in the current lockdown.

Hopefully, the Women’s Rugby World Cup takes place in New Zealand in the autumn. Who do you fancy to win the tournament and which players should we be looking out for?

Sadly, it is looking like postponement which I can understand due to the travel etc.
Without the ability to back my home team (Scotland) as it stands – I do like to see the Roses do well and having seen them play at Castle Park the past couple of years they are getting better all the time.

Thank you, Lauren, any final thoughts?

Keep safe everyone, there is finally an end in sight!

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