Bridgnorth Women’s rugby team crowned National Challenge 1 Midlands (WEST) Winners.

A record-breaking women's game crowd of 500 supporters gathered to see the final League match of the season played at the Edgar Davies Ground in front of the fantastic new clubhouse.

A superb pre-match lunch was served to 90 guests to set up the perfect day.

Players gathered to thank their guests, supporters, player sponsors and family and friends before gathering their game day heads on.

The game marked the conclusion to their amazing 14 undefeated league match run and was a day to celebrate Women’s rugby at Bridgnorth RFC. The game has been a huge part of Bridgnorth rugby club since its formation in 1998, and every year has grown from strength to strength, creating wonderful players.

The players ran out on to the Edgar Davies pitch with 25 mascots, girls from out mini and junior section with the age ranging from 4yrs to 17yrs old.

The team sheet showing players having started as youngsters in the clubs Mini and Junior section now proudly running out as senior players. 

Women’s head coach Ian Hill commented -

Success very rarely comes overnight, and our current success has been 4 years in the making.

The girls have been fantastic this season and have been brilliantly led by our Captain Annabel Andrews.

The Squad has taken to the more aggressive style of rugby we have tried to implement and have been extremely professional in their approach.

We have at times played some fantastic rugby, but we have also had to dig deep especially against Lichfield at home where a last minute try from Ellie Hamer, converted by Chloe Meyrick sealed an impressive comeback victory.

A lot of the forwards success can be put down to our new coach Steve Arnold whose knowledge and enthusiasm for the development of the players is unparalleled.

I would also like to thank our leadership team of Vicki Benton, Izzy Lea, Lucie Pearson, Annabel Andrews and Tab Simmonds and all 34 players who have played league rugby this season, I would also like to thank first team players Jonah Boyce who has performed miracles with the scrum, Adam Ellis and Jack Cole for all their help with training.

From the kick off, the women dominated the game with thrilling tries and brilliant support play, Hucclecote Ladies played with great spirit and enthusiasm, working till the very end, with some superb tacking.  The game ended 95 – 0.

 The game was a true spectacle of what rugby is all about, and we hope to have inspired the next generation into our fabulous sport.

The last time we were in this position was 2015 with a very different line up and far from the strength in depth we see before us today. I have been lucky enough to see this team through 18 seasons and each year it’s been an honour to see us grow. Every single player has given their all to achieve this incredible feat. Lindsey Garraway, Women’s Chair.

We have wonderful opportunities for all wanting to get involved and play rugby. Our mini and junior section, boys and Girls from 4yrs old, at school year 6 the girls then play in their own age grade.

We are very welcoming to all standards, from beginners to players who have played before. The Women’s team have players transitioning to senior rugby and will work to put out a development team for the senior players. To be in a position at Bridgnorth rugby club to have 2 Women’s teams, is fantastic for the club, players and the growing sport.