Edinburgh University Ladies Rugby Club is going from strength to strength. The 1st XV represent the club at the very pinnacle of university rugby in the BUCS Super Rugby League. Furthermore, the 2nd XV play in the Scottish 1A BUCS league and the 3s are a developing side where many get the opportunity to play their first ever game of rugby on a Sunday in the local aspiring league.
The club nurtures a positive and inspiring environment for all, making the game of rugby accessible and fun; three teams, one club.
A key highlight of the EULRFC calendar is always the BUCS double header Wednesday. On 15 October, the fortress that is Peffermill played host to the first of these encounters.
The first game of the day was a local clash for the Scotland 1A squad against Herriott Watt. Fresh of an away win in their opening match against Glasgow Caledonian University, the team was ready to continue their winning streak.
The game drew a good crowd with the 2s Captain Abbie Barret saying, “it was amazing to have such a big crowd down at Peffermill for our first home game of the season”.
The team went out strong and demonstrated all the hard work they had put into training. The game showcased dynamism and teamwork, with a number of standout performances.
Forward Millie Carmona showed versatility playing her first game in the front row, whilst Shona McArthur was named forward of the match and scored her first EULRFC try.
The backs also showed what they can do on the pitch. Adele Parkinson was named opposition’s player of the match after an outstanding performance across the game, whilst Alice Mason was named back of the match after running in try after try.
The game ended with 15 tries scored by the girls with a final score of 91-12.
The game also saw an outstanding display of commitment to the game. During the match the referee suffered an injury and couldn’t continue. Without needing to be asked, club coach Josiah KC Yen sprinted to get his kit and whistle and refereed the rest of the game. In this selfless act, he demonstrated the core values of the club and the commitment for the love of the game.
The second game of the day saw the 1s take on Exeter. After not getting the result they wanted last week in London, the girls were set to come back strong.
Captain Rowan McPherson had set the tone at club training on Monday, calling for everyone across the club to give their all. A message that was re-enforced by the coaching team, lead by former Scottish international Louise Dalgliesh.
The girls came out strong showing discipline in the breakdown and fighting hard for every meter made. Despite some early scores from Exeter, the girls didn’t back down going in at half time with the scores level.
Despite a hard-fought effort from the girls, with some outstanding tries and a great conversion rate, the team unfortunately fell just short of the victory.
Poppy Mellanby was awarded opposition player of the match for her outstanding contribution to the team at full back, including a try. Whilst Lisa Brown was named back of the match, and Issy Dury forward of the match.
Overall, the day demonstrated just what the club has to offer for both players and spectators. After the World Cup buzz around the Red Roses, and what women’s rugby has to offer, it’s great to see so much support for the girls.
For anyone who wants to get in on the action, the next Peffermill double header is just around the corner on October 29. The 1s will face Cardiff University whilst the 2s will face up against the University of Strathclyde.
It would be great if people could get down and support the team in what promises to be another fantastic display of women’s rugby.
Photo by Mark Chan for The Student