After finishing runners-up to Turriff in 2023/24, Lochaber went one better this season and are the Arnold Clark Women’s Caledonia North Three Champions.
To finish at the summit in 2024/25, Lochaber won six of their eight games in the five-team league and ended up on 31 points.
Captain Amy Cameron said: “It felt fantastic to seal the league and to have done so in only our second year is testament to the hard work and dedication shown by all the women involved.
“It was an absolute joy to share the moment with the whole team and the supporters that had made the long journey with us as we cliched it at Aberdeen University [winning 77-7 on the road on November 30].
“Personally, having grown up in and around the Lochaber clubhouse with my dad, brothers and cousins all playing at some point, being captain for this moment was a huge achievement and I felt very proud to lift the trophy alongside my team mates.
“Key moments for me from during the season include a pre-season friendly against Highland in August. Having played them and lost a year previously we knew the superb level they play at and were aware we were in for a tough and demanding game.
“Going into the game we were looking to take away some vital learning and game time experience, however when we came away with a 45-24 win, I believe that was the start of the momentum that was needed to take on the league.
“Other key moments for me personally were in the games that we went to with squads of less than 15 women. As brutally tough and exhausting as they were, the strength and courage to keep showing up no matter what from those present made me proud to be a part of the team. That desire shows our love for the game and now we want to keep progressing further.”
Given that Lochaber played their first ever match as the current women’s team in May 2023, the last year and a half or so has been an amazing journey.
“That game in May 2023 was the first women’s game for a Lochaber team in over 20 year,” Cameron said.
“The support from the overall club has been fantastic and although it is an ongoing struggle to boost numbers in the women’s team the members we do have are beyond committed and are all desperate to ensure the longevity and success of the team.
“With the club working so hard to support and train girls of varying ages in primary and high school, I am so glad we have been able to get the seniors team back in action.
“We are incredibly excited for the future. We are aware that promotion will mean we will be in for tougher and more demanding games next season, but the team are committed and eager to learn from these games and will continue to strive for future wins.”
- Of the 10 women’s senior leagues in Scotland currently, eight of the champions have been confirmed in the shape of Corstorphine Cougars, Shetland, Biggar, Kelso, Bishopton, Lochaber, Marr and Dalkeith and they have all recently lifted silverware.
In the new year the Caledonia Midlands East One champions and the Caledonia North Two champions will be confirmed.
Thanks to Lochber RFC for the image of Lochaber
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