County Calls for Manchester Girls

Altrincham Kersal RFC hosted the first round of this season’s Northern Counties Trophy and spectators were treated to three very competitive matches against the Northumberland visitors. Manchester were proud to provide players at U15, U18 and Senior level.

The U18s put in a particularly strong performance beating their contemporaries 39-8 in a game which was an excellent advert for competitive girls’ rugby. Having fallen behind to an early penalty, the Cheshire girls soon dominated the scoreboard with some thrilling back play built on the sound platform provided by the forwards.
Manchester has only recently formed an U18 team to allow the girls who have moved up from U15 rugby to continue their progress. It was remarkable then for Manchester to provide three players for the opening County game so soon after the team was formed. Hannah Johnson was selected to start on the Wing, whilst Amber Smith (prop) and Harriet Parsons (wing) were brought on during the game as replacements. Although at the younger end of this age group, which is the link to senior Womens’ rugby, all three girls showed that they are already very capable of playing at this level.

Harriet, Amber and Hannah are pictured in their well-deserved Cheshire colours.