EX RICHMOND SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM COLLEGE PLAYERS HELP WENSLEYDALE RUFC TO BRILLIANTLY SUCCESSFUL SEASON

Izzy Lundberg, Richmond School and Sixth Form College alumna and player for the Wensleydale Heifer’s ladies’ rugby team, recently provided us with the club’s end of season report. Two other players mentioned in the report – Ewan Metcalfe and Mary Stones are also alumni of the school. 

Wensleydale RUFC is one of a number of local rugby clubs providing fantastic opportunities for players of both school age and above and for both male and female players. We love hearing about the success of our current and ex-students at these clubs – please send us stories, match reports, etc!

Izzy’s report follows:

April saw the Wensleydale Heifers ladies’ rugby team win their final league game against Durham City, allowing them to secure an undefeated season. This is a huge achievement for the Heifers, who will be moving up from NC (East) 3, into NC 2.

What makes this victory all the more impressive is that the Heifers were playing teams like Hartlepool and Durham, who have much larger catchment areas, yet the country players prevailed. Dale may be small, but by they are mighty!

The same can be said of the men, captained by Wensleydale’s homegrown Ewan Metcalfe, who are currently in a league with teams from other large areas, such as Bradford and Beverley. After their league victory last year, the Men’s 1st XV went up to the Yorkshire One division, which is a monumental achievement. Not only were they promoted, but they have also defied expectations this season by reaching sixth place in the league table out of twelve teams.

Another source of pride for the Wensleydale Heifers are players Mary Stones and Steph Bradley who have been selected for the final 35-player training squad for Yorkshire. Furthermore, they are the only players from NC3 level to be selected in the final 35 – we wish them great luck next season! They are both assets to the team, Mary being one of our strongest ball carriers, and Steph, who is both one of our best tacklers and jacklers.

The number of supporters who come and watch the Heifers is brilliant and makes the energy on the field all the more electrifying. It’s incredibly moving to see the way our women’s rugby team engenders such a strong sense of community within the surrounding dales, who love and appreciate the team so dearly.

Nevertheless, while it is very important to celebrate these tremendous victories, the Heifers always remember their roots. They only formed in 2021, with the majority of players being complete beginners. Through great coaching, teamwork and tenacity, they have continuously improved, and this is evident through their fantastic results. For this reason, they are such a great team to join, whether you’re a complete beginner, or an advanced player, the Heifers cater for all. Furthermore, they are such an empowering group of women, who always take care of each other on and off the pitch. Rugby is one of the most inclusive sports, as no matter whether you think you are too big, too small, too young or too old, there will always be a role for you on the pitch; every player is valued.

Thanks for the report, Izzy – we look forward to finding out how Richmond School and Sixth Form College students, both current and ex, perform at Wensleydale RUFC next season, as well as the many other local clubs.