Girls Season Summary - U14s London & South East 7s Winners Again!
After last seasons fantastic success for the combined Cranleigh/Camberley U14 girls team, this season was always going to be difficult with half of the squad having to move up to the U17 age group, we were left with a couple of good 7's squads but somewhat struggling for numbers in the league games!
U17s
Had a difficult season due to lack of numbers & the loss of both Katie Wallis & Rose Sargeant to the team was a major blow. However, both Bethan Evans & Rachel Tresman from Cranleigh have continued to play this season. The U17 played in the 1st half of the split age group league & only managed one win out of their 4 outings with 1 game also conceded by the opposition.
Recently at the London & SE 7's tournament they managed to reach the semi finals which they then had to concede due to injuries leaving them with only 5 fit players. We hope for an equally good result at the National 7's in a couple of weeks time.
U14s
Again a difficult season due to lack of numbers, but this has improved due to recruitment of some good players late in the season & a tentative start to a relationship with Guildford, which led to 4 girls joining us for the National Cup SFs.
The league programme ended in 3 losses & 3 wins, 1 v Mitcham who boasted a front row weighing 45 st; very scary for U14 girls!!!
The girls reached the SFs of the National Cup & had a fantastic win at the recent London & SE 7's beating Folkestone/Deal/Ashford 7 tries to nil in the final. We’re hoping for equal success at the Herts 7's & National 7's.
Many of our girls were again involved in both county& regional rugby this season with the U14 & U17 Players of the Year both coming from Cramberleigh. We also have 3 of 30 players selected countrywide for the RFU Elite Training at U14, two of which are Cranleigh players: Alex Chamberlain & Harriet Connor, plus 1 from Camberley in Alex Matthews.
After a difficult season both age groups are confident, enthusiastic & optimistic for next season, especially as the age bands change to U15 and U18 so the squads will be settled for another season.
However, we are always looking for new recruits & any girls interested in joining with, or without, experience would be very welcome.
We are hoping to arrange at least 1 tour for next season - should be fun!
Nicky Richards - Girls Team Manager
