Shetland Valkyries clinched the Arnold Clark Women’s Caledonia North One title in November after a breathless 41-34 win at Aberdeenshire Quines.
The bonus point triumph on the road versus one of their closest rivals meant that Shetland had won six games from six at that stage in the five-team league and could not be caught at the summit.
They went on to win a further two matches to make it eight from eight and complete an unbeaten campaign in which they collected 39 points from a possible 40.
It also means that, like last year when they won this same title, they will go into the regional play-off series after Christmas.
This will be alongside the West One champions Biggar, the to be confirmed Caledonia Midlands East One champions and the side that finished bottom in the Premiership which was Stewartry.
The winner of that mini competition will then be in the top flight in 2025/26.
Turning back to the key win over Aberdeenshire, Shetland had won 52-22 at home to the Quines the week before, but they knew the return match would be much tougher.
It proved that way, but the Valkyries for the job done in the Granite City after an end-to-end clash with both sides throwing everything at it.
Captain Charis Scott led the way for the visitors with two tries while Freya Laurenson, Orla O’Brien, Lynsey Johnson, Sula MacLennan and Hannah Polson also crossed and Ealasaid Nicleoid kicked three conversions to keep brave Quines at bay.
“It was a fantastic day for rugby and two fast, skilled and strong teams collided in an amazing display of women’s rugby,” victorious skipper Scott said.
“It was so back and forth all day and both teams were up at one point, but I am so pleased that Shetland Valkyries wanted it more and got over the line.”
And, on her team in general and their season, Scott added: “The Valkyries have been just as dedicated in recent months as they are every year and this reflected in our performances on the pitch.
“A lot of our team are mums, health professionals and shift workers so the commitment to continue to train twice a week in all weathers and also travel off island for games is commendable.
“We wouldn’t have won six league titles in a row without our coaches Neil Murray and Brian Chittick, so thank you both.
“Shetland RFC is always continuing to develop and just recently our under-16 girls won their first ever game. To see the sport develop in Shetland and our future players start to come through is fantastic to see, it really is brilliant.”
- 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 Shetland RFC for the image of Shetland Valkyries
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