Scotland international Evie Tonkin cast her expert eye over the action as Keswick girls’ under-15s took on their Penrith counterparts last Sunday.
The former Keswick School pupil plays for Darlington Mowden Park and was a keen observer of three short games as the girls returned to competitive rugby after a long time out due to COVID.
Keswick’s girls scored more tries on the day at Winters Park where there was further action involving under-18s girls from the host club against different opposition.
“I love watching the under-15 and under-18s matches,” said Evie, who is now back at Keswick School as a teacher.
“The games were fast and exciting. There was some fantastic handling skills and tackling going on, especially considering the fact this was the girls’ first full contact match back after COVID,” she added.
Keswick had two different squads at Penrith. The experienced team of 10 players was: Lizzie Ratcliffe, Sophie Watson, Isla Turnbull, Izzy Jacobs, Isabel Green, Holly Telford, Lara Coates, Bethan Morgan, Molly Partington, Brooke Carr.
The less experienced squad of 12 was Bethan Roberts, Pippa Steele, Emilia Greers, Lucy Bell, Amy Wilson, Railay Lywood, Aquella Lighterwood, Billie Watson, Jess Liness, Emilie Beston, Lucy Grecic, Jasmine.
The Keswick team is coached by Steph Ratcliffe, who said: “We really enjoyed our trip over to Penrith. All the girls had a great afternoon. It was lovely to see so many girls enjoying a fun and competitive game of rugby.
“The girls’ sections at both clubs are going from strength to strength.”
The Keswick girls were joined by girls from the Kendal club, who wore their own colours, and the two teams combined to play well together.
The match followed the Rugby Football Union’s “Game on” strategy of getting game time for as many girls as possible throughout Cumbria following the coronavirus restrictions which had brought the game to a halt at grassroots level.
The Keswick girls are now training at Davidson Park on Wednesdays from 5pm to 6.30pm. New players are welcome.
