Increasing popularity of girls' rugby
The increasing popularity of girls' tag rugby has been
highlighted at a special event for Vale of Glamorgan secondary
schools.
Hosted by Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg - the Welsh medium
comprehensive school in Barry - the event was organised by
Vale Council rugby development officer Matt Silva in partnership
with 5x60 officer Elin Leyshon and sports development officer Micky
Spillane.
Finals for under-14s and under-17s were won by St Cyres and
Llantwit Major comprehensives respectively, with hosts Bro
Morgannwg just being edged out on each occasion.
The Vale winners were among 44 teams from across the
Principality which subsequently took part in the all-Wales finals
at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
Although not gaining overall success, both Vale teams gave a
great account of themselves in winning three out of five group
games, and Matt said: "The eventual winners didn’t win any more
matches than our Vale sides, and triumphed solely on try count. Our
schools and players should be very proud of their efforts.”
Matt added: “As part of my role, girls' rugby is high on the
agenda and this tournament has been a fantastic way of introducing
girls to the skills and techniques needed to play the game.”
Matt expressed his sincere thanks to the players, who had been
involved from the inception of taster sessions, and PE teachers who
included Jo Sullivan (St Cyres), Alison Rees (Llantwit Major) and
Rhys Beynon (Bro Morgannwg)
Locally, the Llantwit club run under-14 and under-17 sides and a
seniors team for over-18s, and Cowbridge are in the process of
scheduling games on a fun basis for this summer. Sully have plans
to follow suit and provide girls' rugby opportunities for the
future.
To find out more about rugby development in the Vale, contact
Matt on (01446) 704603 or, alternatively, visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/sportsdevelopment.