Girls contact rugby at Tynedale Rugby Club was launched with a flourish back in December 2000 when a West Northumberland Under 16's team was formed. On January 13th 2001 the girls played their first match at home to a Westoe based South Tyneside with the West Northumberland girls winning by 8 tries to 3. (Blyth also provided several players for the South Tyneside side)
The first ever season was tragically cut short by the outbreak of Foot & Mouth Disease but the girls and their coaches were not to be denied and a combination of hard work, dedication and no little skill has placed West Northumberland as one of the leading girl's clubs in Northumberland.
The West Northumberland girls looking for their own identity rechristened themselves 'The Panthers' and now proudly wear their own 'Panther' strips - it is rumoured that a threatening rendition of the 'Pink Panther' rings out from the team 'huddle' prior to every match.
The Girls train on Wednesday evenings between 6pm and 8:00 pm and on Saturday Mornings between 10:00 and 11:30. Girls of any experience, between the ages of 12 – 18 are most welcome, as are parents with an interest / experience who would be able to help out.
Tynedale U15 girls brought this years rugby season to a successful end on Sunday 9th May when playing at Darlington in the regions 7-a-side tournament despite a difficult draw. The Panthers opened the tournament playing against hosts Darlington Mowden Park losing 35-10, despite Caity Mattinson’s hard effective tackling. The next game was up against tournament favourites Morpeth, again loosing, but the inexperienced squad we beginning to produce some good ball and use it well. For six of the team, this has been there first season of rugby and this tournament, their first experience of 7’s. Hard work by Lydia Chadwick was winning good ball at the break down and the determined running of Lindsey Tait was causing the Morpeth Girls problems in defence.
The two defeats put the Panthers out of the main competition and into the plate competition. The girls were drawn against a big Hull Ionians side, but were growing in confidence despite the previous defeats. The Tynedale girl’s fitness and superior ball handling skills came to the fore during this game. The forwards providing good ball, especially impressive as this was Hooker Olivia Dunlop’s first game in this position, with Caity Mattinson at Scrum Half linking well with Hannah Illingworth at Fly Half who made good decisions all day, creating room for Mia Richardson to use her pace to run in two tries. Beginning to show as a reliable all rounder was Georgia Oakenfold, strong support running, good handling and strong defence. The Panthers ran out 25 – 0 winners.
This put Tynedale into the Plate final against Rockcliff a side we knew well have played with them earlier this season as part of the Tyne valley cluster. Rockcliff got off to a good start running a try in from the kick off. This only made the Panthers more determined. The girls played some of their best rugby running in six tries running out 30-5 winners. Aggressive defence, good support and strong running helped a delighted squad pick up there first trophy.
Captain for the day, Lindsey Tait collected the plate trophy, with Georgia Oakenfold winning the Tynedale Player of the Tournament.
Team consisted of ; Lydia Chadwick, Caity Mattinson, Megan Almond, Mia Richardson, Katie Marsh, Georgia Oakenfold, Hannah Illingworh
Olivia Dunlop, Lindsey Tait, Katy Sterndale-Bennett.
This season started slowly for the girls with limited numbers of girls training regularly on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Malcolm Todd who had looked after the girls teams in previous season had moved on leaving Fergus Oliver coaching a dedicated few.
The County season started early this year and has dominated the season to November. Tynedale have had representatives at both under 18 and under 15 level.
Selected at Under 18 level were;
Selected at Under 15 level were;
The Girls had mixed fortunes at county level, the Under 18s losing all three games but improving with each game. The under 15s remained unbeaten until the final clash with Yorkshire where the winners took the Northern Counties Championship.
|
27/09/09 |
Northumberland U15's |
v |
Cheshire |
|
Won 24-12 |
|
|
Northumberland U18's |
v |
Cheshire |
|
Lost 8-39 |
|
18/10/09 |
Northumberland U15's |
v |
Lancashire |
|
Won 27-0 |
|
|
Northumberlnad U18's |
v |
Lancashire |
|
Lost 5-19 |
|
15/11/09 |
Northumberland U15's |
v |
Yorkshire |
|
Lost 5-25 |
|
|
Northumberland U18's |
v |
Yorkshire |
|
Lost 0-17 |
Due to the decline in numbers of girls playing a cluster of clubs in the Tyne valley was developed with Tynedale girls joining with players from Ponteland and Rockcliffe, training on Tuesday evenings at Ponteland and and gaining match experience. Unfortunately poor weather has led to the cancellation of many of the fixtures, opponents in the Lake District suffering very badly. Our best wishes go out to our opponents at Cockermouth and Keswick.
The end of November saw the award presentations for season 2008/09.
Awards were as follows:-
Both girls were new to rugby last season and have made significant contributions to the County rugby side this season, Lindsey winning player of match against Cheshire.
The coach’s special award went to Janey Eccles who had her last season in the junior teams. Janey has always given 100% despite injury, and has been an essential part of the girls section for many years. Janey still attends training, passing on her valuable experience.
The end of November saw Fergus Oliver leave for new challenges in Bristol. This leaves the girls section in the care of Jerry Mattinson with invaluable help from Pete Telfer, Rob Thompson (North East Club & Coach Officer RFUW) and James Johnson. Following much hard work by Pete Telfer the girls section has seen a swelling in numbers attending Wednesday evening training and can now boast a regular attendance of 15 – 20 players.
The Tynedale / Rockciffe / Ponteland cluster side played against Morpeth at Tynedale, Morpeth being probably the strongest girl’s side in the county. The Under 15s came up against a well drilled and organised side making a difficult debut for many of our girls who had never previously been involved in a competitive game.
Tyne Valley Cluster U15 V Morpeth Lost (0 - 77)
The Under 18s had a more successful outing playing a 10 a side game, dominating the play throughout.
Tyne Valley Cluster U18 V Morpeth Won (65-22)
Following the Christmas break, fixtures are planned for the cluster teams. However, if numbers are maintained and hopefully built upon, Tynedale should be able to organise our own fixtures in the New Year.
After many delays due to unplayable pitches the Under 18 and Under 15 North East Regional girls rugby trial finally took place.. Tynedale had representatives in both age groups. Katrine Hardy and Gina Lamb at Under 18, Lindsey Tait, Lydia Chadwick and Caity Mattinson at under 15 level. After stong performances, all of the Tynedale girls trialling were offered places in the squads.
The girls will hopefully go on on to play their first two games on the 21st of this month at Barnsley, against Yorkshire and East Midlands.
For any enquiries contact Jerry Mattinson on: