Downpour fails to deter district U11 team

While the U17s were up in Lichfield the search for next "generation" of North Herts girls' rugby was underway at Hatfield in the Herts Youth Games.

For the second year it was an U11 tag tournament and for the second year it was a rather damp day. Admittedly not the continual drizzle of 2006 - there were gaps between the showers this time - but it made up for it with a thunderstorm at the end.

After some weeks of worry we eventually unearthed a good squad of girls, including four with plenty of contact experience - our own Philippa (captain on the day, as the only "survivor" from the 2006 tournament) plus the Beth and Kate Summerfield and Ales Stevens who all play mixed mini rugby at Hitchin.

In addition the district team also included Robyn Godfrey, Isla McLachlan, Alice Sunderland, and Emily Wallis - who have all played tag for their school - and Lauren Armitage, who came to U14 practice last Wednesday. So on paper a good side, and if we had managed to get them all together a little earlier than the day of the Games itself probably they would make a very good side!

Fortunately North Herts' first opponents - Hertsmere - pulled out, giving the girls time for a short training session before the first game against Watford.

The girls went down 6-4 to what looked a well drilled and experienced team, though a star was born in the second half when Alice came on and showed an incredible turn of speed to score two tries.

After a short break came the next game with Stevenage. As they had also lost to Watford this was in effect a quarter final and the team - now playing together well - overturned a 4-3 half-time deficit to win 7-6 and book a place in the semi-finals.

Their opponents here were East Herts - historically strong rivals in these games ever since North got them disqualified in 2005. East Herts had unearthed a big side who were clearly used to playing together and their strength overpowered the younger North Herts girls, who to their credit carried on running to the end, despite the odd bruise and bashed nose.

And so to the third place play-off. In now pouring rain a tiring North Herts team again could not quite match Watford, but as the thunder rumbled the girls kept trying to the end and were still in great spirits when the final whistle went, barely audible above the thunder.

So overall a creditable fourth place - very good for (in essence) a "scratch side" that barely knew each other before the Games. And apart from the four experienced girls who we all knew about, some really talented players emerged, and it can only be hoped that players like Emily, Isla, Robyn, Lauren - and above all Alice - will be able to give the "real" game a try next season. Anyone running a U12 mini team in the area should be seeking to sign these girls up straightaway!