On a day celebrating women’s and girls’ rugby, Warlingham Girls U9s (nicknamed The Warly Witches) welcomed teams from Locks Heath Pumas, Battersea Ironsides, Dorking and Kings to put on an exhibition of rugby that will live long in the memory of the many supporters who came to cheer them on, writes Minis Chair, Matt Whittle.

On a sunny morning at Limpsfield Road, a far cry from the freezing, torrential conditions they endured the last time they hosted the Pumas and Ironsides back in January, the young Wildcats and their guests produced a tremendous display of hard-hitting, fast-flowing, determined rugby, highlighting the growth and strength of the girls’ game even at such a young age.

With special guests including actors, club presidents and chairmen from numerous clubs, as well as a contingent from Harlequins RFC, the girls wowed the crowd not only with their thunderous tackles and tremendous tries, but also by demonstrating core rugby skills such as passing, support play and immaculate defensive lines, which shone a bright light on this ever-growing and ever-important section of the women’s game.

Even at U9 level, we are already seeing long-lasting rivalries and friendships emerge between these teams and players. While the girls demonstrated TREDS (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship) with aplomb, there were also fiercely competitive games that saw emotions run high both on and off the pitch, with players, coaches and supporters alike pouring their hearts into the occasion.

The three-strong contingent from Harlequins Community Rugby were left amazed by the standard on show and were honoured to be in attendance. They witnessed some fantastic rugby and were pleased to name their standout players from the exhibition series. While all the girls played with heart and grit, Harlequins selected Riva and Darcy from Warlingham, Evie from Pumas, and Matilda from Dorking as players to watch, and potential future Red Roses.

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