Twelve girl’s teams joined the Leeds Rhinos Foundation at Magic Weekend this year for a tournament involving under 13, 15 and 17 girls at Seghill Rugby Club in Northumberland and a chance to watch the Leeds Rhinos take on the Wigan Warriors at St James’ Park.
The first Magic Weekend girls festival that took place last weekend to coincide with the First Utility Magic Weekend, offered community clubs the chance to take part in the day of rugby before joining Rugby League supporters around the country at St James’ Park for the Leeds Rhinos Game in the evening.
Teams from the North East including Sunderland Scorpions and Whitley Bay Barbarians joined Yorkshire sides from Huntington, Hunslet Warriors, East Leeds and Kippax Kangaroos, to take part in the tournament at three age groups including under 13s, 15s and 17s and involving 12 teams in total in 9 a ‘side round robin fixtures during the day.
East Leeds girls won the under 13’s tournament against two sides from Whitley Bay Barbarians with Whitley Bay’s ‘B’ side taking home the winner’s trophy ahead of Kippax Kangaroo’s in second and East Leeds in third in the under 15s.
In the oldest age group on the night in the under 17s, Whitley Bay Barbarian’s also finished top of the pile against Hunslet Warriors and Sunderland Scorpions top cap off a fantastic tournament.
The tournament finished with a presentation to award the winning clubs with trophies and a chance to award the player of the tournament trophies to players in each age groups for stand out performances on the day.
Player of the tournament trophies were awarded to: Charlotte Keeligan (East Leeds) under 13s, Paige Webster (East Leeds under 15s), Brogan Herbert (Kippax Under 15s) and Reagan Walker (Hunslet Warriors) under 17s.
Women and Girls Development Officer at the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Lois Forsell commented on the tournament:
“It’s been a great weekend for all involved, the reason for providing this festival was to give some of the girls teams who missed out on Rhinos Challenge earlier in the month a chance to come an enjoy some games on tour as part of the Magic Weekend and we’ve had some nice feedback from the clubs saying how much they’ve enjoyed the experience of coming up to Newcastle to play, so that’s really pleasing.
“Giving the girls a chance to go watch some of the Magic Weekend action as well and get inspired by watching some professional rugby it’s hopefully been a memorable weekend for the clubs and we can get more festivals like this organised next year around big Rugby League events.”
For more information on getting involved in Girls or Women's Rugby contact: Lois.Forsell@leedsrugby.com
The video of Magic Weekend Festival 2015 is available to view below: