Keswick U12 girls travelled to Kendal with 9 enthusiastic players, all buzzing for their first fixture of 2026. With a mixed group including Penrith, Egremont, Upper Eden, Cockermouth and Tri Counties, the focus was on involvement, development, and getting stuck in — and that’s exactly what the girls delivered.

Although they didn’t play as a single Keswick unit, the amount of individual quality on show was obvious throughout.

Standout contributions:
• Anna controlled things brilliantly from the base of the scrum, moving the ball quickly and making smart decisions under pressure.
• Demi was a constant threat with strong, direct ball carrying.
• Grace impressed with powerful carries and some excellent offloads to keep play alive.
• Megan put in solid defensive work and showed real commitment in the tackle.
• Rosie showed zero hesitation, getting fully involved in contact and rucking with real bravery.
• Madison delivered a tackling masterclass, with some outstanding tackles at pace.
• Leah used her speed well out wide, creating space and stretching the defence.
• Emilia showed real hunger to win the ball, contributing with both carries and tackles.
• Nancy played with confidence and skill, backing herself and carrying the ball strongly.

Players player voted today was a well deserving Nancy, for her new found confidence, ball carrying and enthusiasm!

It was a shame the girls couldn’t combine as a full Keswick side this time, but the festival showed just how much talent, determination, and physicality is developing in this group. Plenty to build on for the rest of the season. The future is bright!