Skiddaw cloaked in sunshine was an apt backdrop for a majestic game between Keswick u18 girls and Rockliffe Whitley Bay. Staying with the theme Izzy Booth opened the match with a huge length of the pitch break away try scoring under the posts to the cheers of a strong crowd who were in for a treat. Willow kicked the conversion having stepped up to the tee after our key kicker was injured last week. It was the first of her 10 conversions and two tries which lead her to picking up back of the match and second week on the run opposition player of the match. Rockcliffe were not troubled and strung together 15 minutes of fast attacking offloading rugby scoring 3 tries with strong powerful forwards. As a coaching team we are allowing the leaders to identify what they need to do behind the posts and only stepping in when negativity creeps in. That wasn't needed today, the team ably lead by Lizzie wilks and her strong leadership group were spot on in their assessment of their performance. They were able to improve their defensive line speed, lockout and secure the scrimmage, improved their passing focus and allowed our backs to attack out wide. This game awareness and rugby understanding is one of the most important skillset we can develop at this age, most will be playing adult rugby next year and if they adopt this thinking will thrive. Hanna johnson continued her amazing try scoring streak from last season and claimed a hattrick of tries. Her speed and balance allowed her to finish off some really well worked 2 on 1 opportunities. Sophia back stepped in at stand off and was a physical presence in attack and defence. A very solid performance with touches of magic, including her try in the second half slicing the defence in two. Overall the team delivered a cohesive and balanced performance with the entire pack working well, offloading in contact and keeping the ball moving was evident throughout the game. We work hard on our passing and catching to allow us to play multiphase rugby, we are just starting to see the evidence of this improving skillset. The hunger and bravery to secure the ball on the deck from Iyla, Ava and Evie was remarkable. Sophie Johnson and Ellie Moreland were very solid in the engine room, carrying and tackling well in midfield. Mia Had a busy and exciting first half hour but a knee injury forced her from the field of play. Isla Lee came on to fill in and added some abrasive ball carries and tackles around the breakdown. A strong breakaway try from Isla saw the Rockcliffe challenge fade. The match was finished off with a fine try from Megan Henderson one of the hardest working but forwards on the pitch, great support and strong ball carrying throughout the game. Although the match score was high, both teams remained competitive. There are some fine rugby players and athletes coming through the ranks, the future is bright for the Falcons team over the next few years. One exciting fact is there are 49% more girls playing rugby in England since the World Cup, what an exciting time to be involved!!!