Rugby Union: Rochdale & Oldham Barbarians U15s v Leigh U15s

An entertaining, competitive and enjoyable match between Leigh U15s girls and a combined Rochdale and Oldham U15s girls team, played at Rochdale on Sunday 10 February 2019, provided further evidence of the value of these development fixtures.

In terms of experience Leigh were ahead of the Barbarians and were able to produce some excellent freeflowing rugby to win the game.

The comments of the Leigh officials highlighted the worth of such fixtures. 

Leigh’s U18 and leading North West coach Rhianne Boag was on the touchline and said: “Thanks for a brilliant afternoon of rugby to all at Rochdale.”

Sentiments endorsed by the Leigh U15s coach Gary Stott: “The girls from Rochdale and Oldham did their coaches and clubs proud. They never gave in, tried their hearts out and kept going.”

Barbarian's coach on the day Simon Pendlebury was delighted with the continuing progress of all the girls involved, their enthusiasm, commitment and developing skills.

He said: “We are looking forward to next season at U18 level as we will have more players with more experience. The cluster approach to training and playing is proving popular and we are hopeful that this model will improve recruitment and retention too.”

There is now a recognised player development pathway for those girls who wish to aspire to elite level.

Serena Cape of Rochdale is already an experienced member of the Lancashire and England U18s squads, and on Saturday Nina Zebedee-Howard was thrilled to be selected for the U15s Lancashire squad from the trials at Southport RFC.

As well as playing, the girls are encouraged to think about taking up the Rugby Football Union (RFU) refereeing and coaching courses.  

Under 18s player Katy Sutherland has already signed up for the level two refereeing course, along with her dad. 

Both courses provide excellent learning experiences for GCSE and A level PE and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

In the future Rochdale hope to be involved in Inner Warrior First Steps Into Refereeing events. Girls over 14 can also get the Kids First Refereeing Qualification.

Simon added: “At Rochdale we are keen to develop the contact 13-a–side game from under 13 through to senior women. 

“At the same time, we are aware that different versions of the game might appeal to a different player base. 

“Participation and enjoyment are the RFU’s priorities in developing the sport so that as many girls and women as possible have the opportunity to take part in ‘The Game of our Lives’.”