Camp Hill WRFC continued their impressive National Championship One league campaign with a fine display of intent and control over bottom placed Hartlepool in a 10 try, 66–0 home victory on Sunday.

The win also marked an unprecedented milestone for fullback Jo Kilby (32 [right]) who exceeded 1,000 competitive points for Camp Hill WRFC. Kilby’s remarkable achievement has seen her crowned Camp Hill's top try-scorer for 9 consecutive seasons over a career that has spanned 10 years and 146 games since joining the Solihull based team.

Captain Becci Lewis comments: "1,000 points is an amazing achievement for any rugby player, but for one who doesn’t regularly kick for her team this is probably unheard of….with only 56 of these points coming from the boot, and 190 tries scored you can see what an incredible talent Jo really is."

Yet she continues to excel: fundamental to the West Midlands regional side’s success, who have been reining Champions for the last three years, Kilby was this year also invited to attend the National High Performance Academy - reserved for the top 100 players nation-wide - which forms the England selection route.

"It feels a bit surreal actually, but I'm very, very proud to have achieved such a milestone for my team and for my Club" said Kilby.

The game itself however was christened with another Jo taking centre stage, 18yr old Jo Hart (right). The Chargers first attack in their opponent’s 22m area, from a secure lineout, allowed a backs set move to part the rushing defence, Hart puncturing the centre channel and side-stepping the covering full back to score the first of her hat-trick of scores. Within minutes a similar move care of a Hannah Bussey assist doubled the young centre's tally, with Kath Adie's immaculate boot duly converting both (14-0).

Adie making her first start since returning from the Indoor Cricket World Cup, with a debut on the left wing got in on the action shortly after, an exquisite dummy-pass suckering the last defender to give her clear passage to the try line, adding the extras to her own try stole Camps' daylight and an unassailable lead (21-0).

Driving play by the forwards continued to earn the maroon and light blues (playing in a changed light blue strip due to a kit clash) positive territory, with the efforts of second rower Michelle Gwynne and no.8 Antoinette Morgan in particular proving fruitful, their movement and the security at the breakdown laid the foundations for Kilby's achievement, crossing the white-wash and the 1,000pt mark for her 6th try of the season. Outside centre Bussey, marking her 50th appearance was also celebrating after completing the first half's scoring – gliding through the defensive line to dot down between the 'uprights' for her first of the campaign, Adie added the proverbial cherry on top: 33-0 half-time.

With Head Coach, Reece Spee's, half-time instructions to tighten up around the ruck and commit to the counter-ruck clearly in mind, Camps' charges devastated the hard-working Hartlepool in a 20minute blitz that barely saw the visitors touch the ball. Fine aerial work from flanker Joy Potter and Captain Lewis at hooker ensured Camps' line-outs were offensive whilst powerful carries from props Laura Murphy and Vice-Captain Sian Williams, orchestrated by the collected Beckie Morgan at fly-half, proved unstoppable.

Four second half tries courtesy of Hart's third, Kilby's second and right wing Naomi Hubber's well finished quick-fire double completed the contest and although 'Pool never gave up their rewards were short-lived - the physicality of the encounter eventually taking its toll when the Hartlepool skipper requested that the scrums go uncontested.

With the forward contest disabled, Camps' overall intensity was guilty of subsiding, however a superb individual try from Kiwi scrum-half Vanita Henry (right) 5 mins from time, stepping her way to a 35m try, was a bright spark which brought about the +60 scoreline. Adie sealed the day and a fine performance with 8 from 10 conversions and a 21pt haul (taking her over the 400pts mark in Camp Hill colours).

Captain Lewis surmised: "An excellent 5th win from 5, with 6 names on the score sheet and some great individual performances. To keep our amazing winning record going in this higher league is a testament to the hard work the players and the coaches have put in. Big congratulations must go to Jo Kilby for gaining her 1,000th competitive point and to Hannah Bussey for her 50th competitive cap in a Camp Hill shirt."

Next up: League leaders Darlington Mowden Sharks – this is the one that both teams are waiting for in order to determine who is truly (to date) the division's number one team. The Sharks, with four Elite Internationals and previous premiership experience to boot will no doubt feel they have the edge, but the resilience and heart displayed thus far by the battling Chargers will no doubt be cause for some concern. Kick off: Sunday 4th November, 2.30pm, Darlington Mowden Park RFC.

Labels: Camp Hill WRFC, rugby

Just a couple of months ago, a group of 6 ladies met one Tuesday evening to start TAG rugby training with a view to getting fit, having fun and playing some rugby! The evening could have been described as a bundle of dropped balls, forward passes and deep breathing, but the laughter was a good indicator that the girls enjoyed it and couldn’t wait for more.

Forming part of Camp Hill WRFC's involvement in the RFU's Go Play Rugby campaign as the initiative was advertised, word spread and the group grew to an incredible 20 recruits. Together with the coaching skills of Camp Hill's 1st XV players, Becci Lewis, Lucy Pollard and Jo Kilby - they turned a group of enthusiastic novices in to two teams of competitive go get-ers!

As the skills progressed, so did the understanding and the speed, shouts of ‘pop left’, ‘off side’ and ‘where’s my tag?’ soon replacing “what’s for dinner, Mum?” The date of the match was set and with just weeks to go the aptly named WAGS and TAGS were divided into two teams, and the healthy rivalry began!

Sunday 7th October saw the exciting finale to the ladies Inaugural Camp Hill Tag Rugby match. A super crowd gathered to watch the teams battle it out against each other in a nail biting match that combined passion and newly found skills. Some dropped catches and hasty passes allowed the White team to make the most of the errors and steam through to score some great trys whilst the Blue team were creative and found the gaps in defence to apply pressure to level.

As the match entered the second half the ladylike niceties disappeared, replaced instead by "cavewoman" at best! The adrenalin ran high alongside sheer determination and the desire to win. Both teams increased their effort and with just one minute to go the Blue team scored the winning try. Final score 8-7! Brilliant!

Team Manager, Annie Sheppard: “It really was an excellent day and all the girls should be very proud of their achievement. Not only have we improved our fitness and had fun, but we have also raised some money for the club. Both teams would like to thank friends and family for their support and encouragement."

“It was great to see such a good crowd and also get such positive feedback” said Jo Taylor, White team Captain.

Ben Waterhouse, RFU Rugby Development Officer, Birmingham & Worcestershire compliments: "The North Midlands Go Play Rugby Campaign Team are delighted that Camp Hill Ladies have been involved in the scheme. It is great to see local clubs really getting behind the Go Play Rugby initiative and benefiting from an influx of new and returning players which has no doubt been helped by the success of the England team at the Rugby World Cup".

Camps' Mum's/Social TAG team plan on continuing their training throughout the winter as they have now thrown the gauntlet down…and are preparing to face their male counter-parts: "The Dad's" on December 16th.

Labels: Camp Hill WRFC, rugby

Camp Hill WRFC today launch their new logo and nick-name - the Chargers.

Charger, meaning "a large strong cavalry horse" or "somebody that charges" perfectly embodies what the ladies will need to effect in order to compete in National Championship One (North) this season - essentially each game will be a battle and their armoured steed encapsulates how they will have to approach each game - ready and undoubtedly with bravery.

Team Manager Hannah Bussey and US design team Rival Art were central to developing the theme and bringing it to life "we wanted a logo to compliment our efforts and ethos in order to help extend our profile and reach - we hope to be able to use the image to appeal to a new and wider audience."

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Camp Hill WRFC's first substantial road-trip, away to Lancaster's Vale of Lune, saw them register a very positive 5 try win despite the home side opening the scoring…Camps too eager on the front foot, left a gap that the Lancashire outfit exploited for the opening (unconverted) points of the game.

But as is fast becoming tradition the away side soon regathered and within minutes had equalised after good field position allowed for a set move within the opposition's 22m: outside centre Hannah Bussey providing the final touch for the mercurial Jo Hart, who shrugged off the interest, to score underneath the posts; fullback Jo Kilby converting.

Following the re-start strong metre-gaining carries from flanker Sheena Larkin and prop Laura Murphy in particular, gave the maroon and light blues the momentum to strike again, this time Kiwi scrum-half Vanita Henry peeling to superb effect to feed winger Naomi Hubber to crash through for a short range try, a deserved score for the winger after a season out following knee surgery. With the conversion falling short, Camps turned around 12-5 to the good.

A little more composure and more of the same was asked for in the second half and that's exactly what Camps delivered with conviction. Vale, for long periods were under pressure within their 22m, the powerful boot of fullback Leanna Plunkett bought them some relief but it was short-lived as Hart on the counter struck for her second. With Kilby slicing the conversion, a 12point lead was opened up and never closed.

With Vale defending almost solidly for the first 25minutes of the second half their proud defiance started to wilt as Camps' forwards simply shifted gears, consecutive catch and drives sapped not just strength but sharpness - Henry on hand to exploit superbly, sniping from the base to cruise untouched to the goal-line. The conversion from wide fell short but the scoreboard was building and the 5-try bonus point was pressing.

Tight work from the pack including a powerful no. 8 pick up from Antoinette Morgan that took Camps' close to the try-line sealed the extra point after Captain and Hooker Becci Lewis finished a consolidated team move - simple fix and pass movement and quick hands proving lethal as Bussey again shouldered the final pass to Lewis, who drover over for her first score of the season.

Vale ended the contest as they started it, with consolation for their virulent supporters and a super individual effort from the athletic Kara Nwidobie (well converted by Plunkett). Final score: 27-12.

The Chargers next game is home to National Championship One (North)'s bottom placed side, Hartlepool, Sunday 28th October (kick off 2.30pm). For more information visit http://www.chrfc.co.uk/ (ladies section).

Labels: Camp Hill WRFC, rugby

What was expected to be was not entirely the case as Camp Hill WRFC registered their third and perhaps most impressive win of the season last Sunday as they defeated Waterloo from Liverpool 36-5.

With the second placed team visiting the third placed Midlanders in National Championship One (North), what should have been a battle-royale turned out to be a bit of a damp-squib for the away side as Camps cruised to a comprehensive 6-try victory.

The opening quarter of the match was characterised by some probing runs from both teams, but it was Waterloo that took the initiative with some strong carries which yielded good possession in the home sides' 22m. However it was resolute defence, particularly around the fringes that saw the likes of Vice-Captain Sian Williams and second rower Nadine Berry turn defence into territory as the maroon and light blues were able to steal and clear from both breakdown and subsequent open-field turn-overs.

20 minutes gone and Camp Hill's ladies having adjusted to Waterloo's tempo, started to assert their own pressure - an opportunity close to Waterloo's try-line was ably defused but regrouping Camps launched another series of attacks which this time were clinically finished, flanker Lucy Pollard timing her pass to release fullback Jo Kilby. With the conversion from out-wide narrowly missed, Camps turned around 5-0 to the good.

Sustained pressure and disciplined pick 'n' drive work from Camp Hill's forwards drew continued reward as holes were punched beyond the gain-line. With scrum- and fly-half Vanita Henry and Beckie Morgan (respectively) linking superbly Morgan was able to release her backs with pace and depth and a set-move was duly delivered with aplomb: outside centre Hannah Bussey held the ball up for inside centre partner Jo Hart to hit the gap, the pocket-rocket needing no second invitation to dot-down for her third touch-down in as many games. Kilby converted to stretch Camps lead.

Shortly behalf the half-time whistle, Camps' forwards rubber-stamped their contribution to the game with a calculated power-play, an unstoppable rolling maul from 10m out giving Pollard a deserved first try of the season. However, it was Loo's forwards that had the last word, responding well to the gauntlet thrown by the Shirley-side, their pack, working hard from close range, capitalised with a smartly taken 5 pointer. Half-time: 17-5.

The second half continued under very much the same veil as the first, with Camps' pack, ably lead by hooker Becci Lewis taking control when and where it mattered. A steal against the head, giving the impetus for Hart to grab her brace as Camps' turned defence into attack outside the Waterloo 22m.

With the game drifting from the Liverpudlian's grasp even the introduction of the talented (ex-Worcester and current England U20) winger Helen Price was not enough to raise their sails. Some positive yardage was gained, but Camps' ability to absorb pressure provided them the composure to steal and clear their lines, Kath Adie (returning from World Cup/England indoor cricket duty, replacing the faultless Morgan) making a 30m clearance with a beautifully spiraled kick to touch.

Camps final two trys came courtesy of Camps' fullback Kilby, who wrapped up her hat-trick of scores following a Bussey break and off-load and the forwards' impeccable self-restraint: only inches from the Loo' try-line Henry unleashed a monstrous pass from the base of the breakdown which gave the backs instant width, Hart then handled to Bussey who again made the difference to release Kilby who cantered beneath the sticks for Adie to convert. Final score: 36-5.

An astonishing performance from Camp Hill against a team that is well versed in life at this level - they now secure second place with 13pts just behind Darlington Mowden Sharks (with 15) and ahead of Vale of Lune (on 9).

Next game: 14.10.07 vs. Vale of Lune (away), another team to have experienced life at both this level and beyond, Lune have lost only once - to the impressive Sharks - this season. Camp Hill WRFC will have to be at their best again to be in with a shout against the well-drilled, well-organised Lancastrian outfit. Kick off 2.30pm.

Labels: Camp Hill WRFC, rugby

Camp Hill WRFC's preparations for life in National Championship One North are getting pretty serious as they acclimatise to a new coaching set-up and their most professional approach to a season's start yet.

With Reece Spee - a professional with National Division One side, Pertemps Bees – as Head Coach and Paul Downes – Bees' Strength and Conditioning coach, also on board, the girls are all a "buzz" hoping the hard work now will pay off over the coming 6mths.

"I took the girls for a session last season as my wife Vanita plays for them and then helped out with some 10s tournaments. I saw the potential and how much they took on board and thought it would be exciting to take them right through from pre-season" says Spee, a New Zealander hailing from Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty.

The kiwi having landed with Bees care of successful stints with Ulster and Belfast Harlequins. he He made a name for himself as a dynamic scrum-half is ensuring his pedigree – having also spent time at home with the Hurricanes development camps – is being well utilised: "awareness and understanding game play, improving skills levels and techniques and installing a good work ethic are my aims for the team this season."

And with Paul Downes' conditioning experience added to the mix, the team are being equipped to respond to the challenge both Reece and their opponents will be laying down: "I have been really impressed, the girls are well organised and give everything they have. I want every team that they play against to know they have come up against a physically strong, fast and motivated team that will dig in and compete for the entire 80 minutes."

Not only that but: "I feel a major role of mine is educating the girls as well as training them. How to look after their bodies, what to do before and after training is just as important as the training they do during the week."

Downes too, comes with a wealth of experience having worked successfully with Bees and further afield with Super 14 team, the Auckland Blues as well as the All Blacks as part of his time with the Auckland High Performance Unit and New Zealand's RFU respectively.

Captain Becci Lewis comments: "Bringing Reece and Paul on board was the next, natural step for us as we look to adopt a more professional approach to performance and player management. As our opponents get tougher and our games harder, every advantage will count – so to have guys of this calibre committed and part of the set-up is a real coup for us and women's rugby we feel."

To follow the progress of Camp Hill WRFC visit http://www.chrfc.co.uk/ or contact Jo Kilby for more information (j.kilby@blueyonder.co.uk / 07708 915779).

Picture – attached in mail, from left to right: Paul Downes, Becci Lewis and Reece Spee.

Labels: rugby

Camp Hill can add a new team to their ranks this summer as the Club's Mom's get into action in order to raise funds for the maroon and sky blues.

Rumour has it one G&T too many was involved in galvanising Junior (Under 10’s) coach Annie Shepherd into rousing the troops…...whether or not this was strictly the case, the end result has been fantastic.

The idea originally stemmed from the Moms of the Club's Mini and Junior section getting involved, but word spread, and now all are welcome …...and…..4 sessions in the average training turn out is up to 14 ladies and counting (more than some 1st XV team's male or female)! From all walks of life and with ages ranging from 13yrs to 47yrs (so far) there's no stopping this group as they absorb skills and drills to show fast improvement.

"We are a group of ladies of various ages and sizes who were fed up of just watching a game from the side lines, we were determined to have a go ourselves" says Annie, "following a few phone calls, and ignoring the jokes from the men, we managed to get a team of ladies together who meet up every Tuesday. The coaches are superb, as well as patient, and not only are we learning new skills, getting fit and raising money for the club, but most importantly we are having fun!"

With the end-goal being to put on a demonstration tag game as a curtain raiser to the ladies 1st XV home season opener, the ladies are progressing full-steam ahead. "The main aim was to raise money for the club by having a one-off game, but as a result of the enthusiasm and commitment we are hoping that this initiative will continue over seasons to come. There may even be a possibility that we can challenge other local clubs for fun!" Annie advises.

Their competitive counter-parts, the 1st XV ladies, who have undertaken the coaching, are suitably impressed: "their enthusiasm and aptitude is what really stands out" says fullback Jo Kilby, "they train hard and have a lot of laughs along the way." In addition, from a development point of view: "we're getting ladies joining who have no previous experience of Camp Hill or rugby as a sport. This is a massive achievement and with such a unique venture being undertaken Camp Hill WRFC really can claim to offer the complete playing opportunity for all, from juniors through to seniors, from competitive to social status, with no age limit in between."

For anyone interested the sessions are run from Camp Hill RFC every Tuesday (7-8.30pm) just come on down (or see website for more details www.chrfc.co.uk) or contact Annie for more info (07843 281332) - why not give it a try?

Labels: rugby

Teddington Antlers Ladies’ Rugby Club is recruiting...

You don’t need any prior experience, just a willingness to learn.
The Teddington Antlers have fantastic team spirit and an active social side.
So go on, come down, meet the girls and give Antlers a try!

Pre-season training is in Bushy Park on Tuesdays at 7:30pm.

For more information, contact Georgia Doran on 07939 595 550 or email:
georgia.doran@edwindoran.com or website : www.teddingtonrfc.co.uk

Labels: rugby