Women’s club rugby: Two squads representing Garioch on the same day is exciting for the club and the north east

Gary Heatly

The encouraging ongoing growth of women’s rugby in the north east was highlighted on Saturday, October 26 when Garioch had two squads playing on the same day for the first time ever.

While the first team were down in Edinburgh taking on Heriot’s in the Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership, the seconds were hosting Lochaber at Kellands Park in Inverurie in Caledonia Three.

While both Garioch squads lost their matches, it was still very much a day for celebration at the club as they have worked hard to build up a thriving women’s and girls’ section.

After Isla Jack, Alana Davidson and Chloe Matthews scored tries for the second team, Jess Silcocks, who has been a driving force in helping the section grow, said:  “Having been at the club since Garioch Ladies was formed, we have seen the team progress from a development team to a Premiership side which is just amazing.

“To be able to grow and sustain this we aim to able provide rugby for all ages and abilities. To have two squads out on the same day recently was great and it really was such an achievement and something we want to build on.

“In the seconds we had players who haven’t played for years, recently turned 18-year-olds, youth graduates, new players and friends from other north east clubs all just there to play rugby and have fun and, regardless of the result, they did just that – had fun.”

First team captain Sammy Ross added:  “Over the last year and a bit we have continued to grow and consistently see 30 plus women at training each session.

“We have an incredible under-18s set up also and with those girls coming into the mix it’s widening our squad and seeing the need for more game opportunities.

“Having a seconds team now is so beneficial all round, we are getting to train really well, challenge ourselves and each other and really enjoy the fresh intake of new faces and the buzz it brings.

“Although the weekend in question didn’t go our way, ultimately rugby for Garioch was the winner here as we fielded over 40 women in a Garioch strip at the same time all playing the game they love and showcasing the sport for the rest of the north east.”

Head coach Dave Duguid concluded:  “For the club to put out two teams on the same day recently is another milestone for our growing club.

“This time last year we were getting 12 to 15 players down to training, but no we are at 30 or so most nights. The seconds gives us a great opportunity to give new and young players the experience of senior rugby before the step up to the firsts, but also some experienced players that have given up the game a chance to come back, pass on their experience and play a bit more social rugby.

“It will push on the firsts players knowing there are others getting regular game time below them and ready to step up and take their places if the chance comes along.”

Thanks to Gareth Falls for a photo of the Garioch seconds from October 26

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