Page 55 - The Swan CV Edition 4 April 2020

JUNIOR RUGBY ROUND UP
GIRLS U18S - IAN RAMSAY
With the prospect of a new season in front of us, we were all incredibly excited about what the 19/20 season could bring. Little did we imagine that it would end the way it has!!!
We knew we had a unique challenge ahead of us. We had a new manager, a new head coach, new coaching staff and the prospect of combining three groups of girls. An existing, older group of U18s, a large group of U15s moving up and some players joining from other clubs.
Because of this fantastic number of players, we asked girls to think again about where they might like to play on the team. Sometimes, this was different to what they had in mind but they all embraced it. This fitted well with one of our season objectives; getting the girls to be comfortable playing in two positions.
Our other key objective, (as voted for by the girls) was to develop them as players and to have fun. We all agreed at our pre season meeting that if we achieved these two objectives, wins would come. And come they did, winning seven of our eleven matches in this shortened season, often against much older opposition.
As coaches, we have seen improvements in each and every player, even if they can’t see it in themselves. Players showed an admirable commitment to training sessions, turning up in all weathers and working hard. This in turn started to show in games with trust in one another and friendships stating to show.
As the season progressed the core values shone through. Many girls offered to make up the numbers on others teams and really threw themselves into playing for that team. This really helped build relationships with other clubs around the region.
For the first time in the history of the club, Selby Under 18s Girls were represented by four players at County level. This was achieved not only through their own hard work but with the support and encouragement of their teammates.
As coaches, we all look upon this as a very successful season and we have met some fantastic individuals. A special mention has to go to Captain Fantastic, Ellie Green who has really led from the front this year both on and off the pitch. Some of these ladies will be moving up to open age rugby next season and we wish them the very best of luck. Others will be moving away from the club, and likewise we wish them well too.
The season was brought to a rather unexpected end but we look forward to celebrating this season together at some point soon.
Finally, we look forward to seeing our returning players and the girls moving up from U15s next season!
Ian, Paul, Phil and Will signing out for the last time this season
Keep up to date with all latest club news at www.selbyrufc.club
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