A GIRL’S tag rugby side have been crowned West Midlands champions following a successful season of competitions.
Participation of girls playing tag rugby at Bromyard Rugby Club has rocketed since the side for girls aged 11 to 17 was formed three years ago, the only team of its kind in the county.
Following 10 tournaments this winter the side lifted the overall girls West Midlands Tag League crown last weekend.
The league made up of 11 clubs from across the region saw a round of pool matches, a semi-final and final at every tournament. A final league position was then decided on the total points obtained.
Bromyard won at least 90 per cent of their tournament matches on their way to the title.
Coach, Dai Roberts said: “There was a group of girls who were always at the rugby club, but at a certain age they couldn’t play mixed rugby any longer.
“So we decided to do something new and started a tag rugby side with five or six girls. They brought their friends from school, little sisters and people who saw what we were doing on Facebook came along.
“Now we have 19 in the squad with girls coming from as far as Tenbury to play. This season they were determined from the start that they were going to win the league. As a coach I wanted them to go and enjoy it but they were determined to win.
“They are more competitive than the boy’s sides and believe they have to win everything. The boys game is all about tackling while the girls are about handling and speed.
“They don’t loose many but when they do loose it is like the end of the world to some of the girls.”
Bromyard A were crowned champions after winning the final tournament of the season, beating Shipston 7-4 in the final.
Roberts says that they have now got enough girls to field an A and B team at the tournaments and other teams fear their side.
“The pools at each tournament are randomly drawn and now when Bromyard is drawn out you can hear a groan from the other coaches,” added Roberts.
“We have won the games mentally before the pool has started and it is very nice.”
Credit: Hereford Times