Two schools receiving coaching from the Leeds Rhinos Foundation had girls rugby teams represented in the Yorkshire Cup finals and National qualifiers this month at both the Rapid Solicitors Stadium and Shawcross Sharks ARLFC in Dewsbury.
Corpus Christi Catholic College year 11 and Temple Moor year 8 girls, who are both part of the Leeds Rhinos Ambassador Schools scheme, played in the Yorkshire finals after qualifying through the local Leeds competition and through a series of regional rounds in the Yorkshire competition, all leading up to the last stage in Wakefield.
The teams have been coached by Women and Girls Development Officer, Lois Forsell who has supported their development throughout the competition assisting staff from the schools to get the girls ready for their competition rounds.
Corpus Christi Catholic College were the first team to play in their Yorkshire final on the 17th March at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium, losing out to Castleford Academy 30-12 in a competitive encounter of two of the region’s best year 11 teams.
The girls from Corpus Christi then played out their national qualifying match at the Shawcross Sharks Ground in Dewsbury just two days later on the 19th March and again lost out, with a couple of key players sidelined due to injuries sustained two nights before missing from the side.
The girls couldn't quite cap off a fantastic campaign which saw them beat two schools in the local stages and four more at regional level and won’t progress any further in the national competition.
Temple Moor year 8 girls then played their Yorkshire Final on the 24th March against the same Castleford Academy opponents, again at the Belle Vue Ground, but in similar fashion and despite another strong effort, fell to another well coached Castleford outfit 40-20.
The year 8 girls, many of whom are more recently introduced to Rugby League, have had a memorable year beating four local schools, followed by five more at the regional stages and will compete in their national qualifying round in May.
Lois Forsell commented on the efforts of the girls this year:
“The girls have both continued to work really hard on their game and a prestigious Final at a Super League ground was a fitting reward, they progressed through a few rounds to get to the final and have been a joy to coach, unfortunately they met two very good Castleford Academy teams in the finals, but it was a great effort by the teams on both nights.”
Girl’s local community rugby league has been high on the agenda for Lois, who provides a valuable link between school rugby and the local clubs, helping some girls to progress in to club rugby as part of her role.
“As a player and coach of rugby league, I know the impact the sport has had on my life, as well many of the girls i've worked with. I hope we can increase the number of girls playing locally and I encourage all girls interested in playing to seek out their local clubs and see if they can develop further, especially having seen what these two school teams have been able to achieve.” Lois added.
To enquire about getting involved in school rugby or for more information on contacting local community clubs contact: lois.forsell@leedsrugby.com