Leamington Royals Ladies Rugby League team made history on Sunday (May 13) as they became the first midlands team to compete in the Women’s Rugby League Nines Festival.

The team, in their second season, and participating in a league for the first time this year, entered the competition following an invitation from organiser and England Women’s captain Jodie Cunningham.

They were drawn in Group A at the Warrington-based event, alongside fellow newcomers Oldham, and top Super League sides Warrington Wolves and Huddersfield Giants.

With some members of the team playing their first ever game, Leamington Royals Ladies enjoyed a fantastic 23-0 win against Oldham with tries coming from Sophie Henry (two), Helen Brown, Viv Wymer and Shiv Allison-Moore.

The second match of the tournament saw them lose out 38-4 to Warrington Wolves; Charlotte Clarke scoring the only try for the Warwickshire outfit.

The team then faced Huddersfield in the very next game. Having only nine players and no substitutes, it showed, as players tired in the hot, northern sunshine! Huddersfield won 43-0 but the Leamington ladies showed fantastic grit to keep fighting to the end.

Coach, Adam Clifford, said: “The Nines tournament was a great success for our team.

"The opportunity to play against some top class players provided invaluable experience for our ladies, and to come away with a win against a heartland rugby league club was a real bonus.

"We can’t wait to see what the rest of the season brings.”

If anyone wants to get involved and give rugby league a try, training sessions take place every Wednesday at 7pm at Leamington RFC.

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