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Gele Ladies' brave gamble pays off as they claim league table

Gele Ladies' brave gamble pays off as they claim league table

Gary Williams21 May 2019 - 20:30
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Inspired choice to appointment Big Phil as team coach.

Abergele made a brave move in tempting coach Philip Blakoe away from Rhyl Rugby Club; after 38 years as a player and coach Phil rose to the challenge.

What started off as a small squad anyway slowly depleted due to some players frightened off by Phil’s no-nonsense attitude.

With the backing of chairman Charles Mccoubrey, the investment in portable floodlights for training in the dark winter nights and dedication from the ladies’ captain Samantha and vice-captain Alisha, Abergele started a recruitment drive.

Over the following weeks the squad started to grow and Abergele found themselves with many new girls at training, some having never picked up a ball before let alone play a game!

These players all realised that Phil had their best interests at heart and as the season progressed it was clear that these were a pretty special group of ladies.

With the success, Abergele ladies continued to grow with an astonishing 35 girls forming the squad. This proved pivotal for Abergele as the undefeated games started to take their toll; broken bones, torn ligaments and muscle damage to many of Abergele’s most experienced players meant that newbies where blooded a lot sooner than anticipated.

However, they didn’t disappoint, rising to the challenge! One of the main highlights of the season being the cup game against a predominantly Cardiff university team beating them 48-5.

Sadly, through injury Abergele couldn’t continue with the cup run and instead put all their efforts into getting fit for the second half of the season.

The only loss being to an outstanding COBRA side; Abergele comfortably beat them at home but unfortunately lost away by 3 points.

To prove what confidence he had in the squad, Phil fielded eight newbies in the must win last game at Llangollen. Tough opposition in humid conditions Abergele relished the challenge beating them 21-0.

Blood, sweat, tears and 93 tries later Abergele were crowned North Wales Ladies Champions!

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