Eight Alnwick girls make their mark with county

A club spokesman said: “The girls represented Northumberland in the first of three County Festivals playing against Durham and Cumbria, held at Newcastle Falcons, who are themselves seeking to put a successful bid together for a senior women’s Premiership team.

“Perhaps one day some of our young Alnwick players will have the opportunity to pull on a Falcons jersey?

“From a coaches perspective I couldn’t be happier to see so many of our players take their rugby to the next level.

“Girls rugby at Alnwick is in a great place at the moment with over 40 players and some excellent younger players coming through. We are always looking for more players, so do help get the word out and ask any parents of interested potential players to get in touch.”

The U18s representing Northumberland were:

Jess Gardiner – (Lock & No.8). Alnwick captain and North of England Centre of Excellence, now playing in her third season for Northumberland,

Lucy Hiscock – (Hooker). Lucy has impressed all season as a specialist hooker playing for Alnwick and really got noticed by the selectors playing in the Barbarians team.

Jess Taylor – (Prop). Jess much like Lucy has very much impressed selectors this year playing within the Barnbarians team, coming into the County team for the first time.

Bridie Dunn – (Prop). Bridie is at Loughborough College, known nationally for its rugby excellence and she still plays for Alnwick whenever she is back home.

The U15s were:

Ava Mcdougall – (Prop). Ava, now in her second county season is one of the senior U15’s players for both Alnwick and Northumberland and is team vice-captain.

Martha Hiscock – (Flanker). Alnwick captain stepping up to County this year for the first time to join her older sister Lucy.

Milly Phillips – (Lock). Milly steps up to Northumberland for her first season and is clearly enjoying the challenge.

Grace Wilson – (Lock). Grace is another stepping up to county rugby for the first time who shows so much potential.