ECCLES LADIES Good Afternoon and a warm welcome from our Women and Girls section at Eccles RFC. Whilst we have been enjoying the Men’s 1XV prompt return to rugby, we have spent our weeks preparing hard for our preseason games. Though we can’t wait to adorn our much loved navy and white hoops, we’re utilising the extra sessions to further refine our craft, whilst introducing some newer players to the tricks of the trade. After a solid block of training and preparation, we were ready to take to the pitch on the 5th of September to play our much anticipated first preseason friendly. Unfortunately, our planned opposition were unable to field a full team, and despite trying to find an alternative fixture, there were no teams available with a full complement of players. Although this was inevitably a disappointment to the girls, we planned a training session in place of the fixture to further embed our playing process. The lengths to which our girls will go to make themselves available for the team is admirable. We had a strong group of 18 players ready to face the late Summer sun. As the colts took to the first team pitch, we worked alongside them building our routines and structured play, ready for next weekend's away fixture. Individuals such as Sarah Williams and the Whailing girls girls had notable performances and are continually demonstrating their progress at training. Old friends Mavis Tam and Eto Ding have returned from Hong Kong, and showed a masterclass in tackle technique and defensive strategy. The session concluded on high spirits as we settled in to watch the colts secure victory over a well drilled Sale outfit. As a playing group, we have rallied from this anticlimax with a heightened sense of confidence; confidence in our ability to produce a full squad of high ability players, with the desire to commit and compete out on a Sunday. We will continue to work together as we strive to create stronger, fitter and more intelligent players. We’re excited to be able to show our dedicated supporters the fruits of our labour, and we look forward to seeing you up on the balcony cheering us on at the next home game. To any aspiring future ladies players, contact James Wright, Head Coach & Director of Women & Girls Rugby. Rowanne Smalley // Eccles RFC Ladies Captain
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