Yeovil Rugby Women played their first match since March on Sunday 1st November, going into Lockdown 2.0 on a high. Missing rugby on a Sunday and the level excitement that it brings, the team were keen to recreate the match day experience that would be valuable for new and existing players alike.
The resulting inter-team match held at Yeovil Rugby club, was specially adapted to the RFU’s return to rugby guidance, which means no tackling or normal match contact could take place. The new game format was developed in training sessions, by new Yeovil Rugby Club Coach Lead George Cooper, who’s wealth of knowledge has been really appreciated in training over recent weeks.
26 players were involved and split into two teams; taking into consideration experience and positions and were coached by women’s team coaches Fran Long and Simon Chubb. With the day replicating a match day with team selections, pre-game warm up, post game meal and “player of the match” announcements all taking place. The match was split into 15-minute quarters with breaks for hand washing to stay Covid compliant throughout.
The actual match was closely contested, with Dave Connolly-Mealing from Somerset Referee Society officiating. Everyone involved enjoyed it immensely; including referee, coaches and match day photographer Gary Bide. Six of the players were new to the team and played their debut match showing some great skill and awareness of rugby. The small amount of spectators, who were able to watch socially distanced in the clubhouse, were given an impressive show of rugby during typical “rugby” weather conditions of wind and rain.
Although the result was incidental, the red team coached by Fran Long, came out on top. Commenting on the high level of rugby played, Long said:
“ The winners today were players, club, rugby and spectators. The match demonstrated what the players have worked so hard for and did not disappoint, putting on a fantastic display of non-contact rugby at a competitive level. The game was fast paced and the skill set was top level and it was obvious everyone was enjoying themselves which was great to see.”
Yeovil Rugby Women team captain Bea Chubb was also pleased with how the event went and the benefit it has for the team while league matches are unable to be played, commenting:
“The match was a great event for everyone involved, not just the players but the coaches and some of our regular supporters too. Training together has been great but it really felt like we were part of something again and I’m really keen to repeat it post lockdown. It was something to be excited about in the weeks leading up to it. To put on kit, run onto the pitch and play some rugby in a competitive atmosphere on a Sunday has been missed so much.”
“It was so good for new players to have a taste of what a game feels like and take away some of the nerves for when we can give them a second start. I’m especially proud of how everyone was so supportive of each other on the pitch and how well we all adhered to Covid restrictions during the game and in the clubhouse afterwards to make the day such a success.
Yeovil rugby ladies train twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm when lockdown measures are not in place. If you are interested in giving women’s rugby a go please message Bernadette Chubb email: beakeating@icloud.com or call: +44 7817 284606
Photo credit Gary Bide Photography
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