3 girls from Beckenham, Morgan Freeman, Ceri Edwards, and Akina Goodwin joined up with Tatum Gabrial from Old Alleynians rugby Club, to play in the Kent Girls under 18 rugby sevens, event at Gillingham.

With only 3 other teams attending, the 4 girls agreed to make a fourth team, borrowing girls from the other teams, Essex Barbarians, Ashford, Tunbridge Wells, who were all happy to help, so all could play 4 games.

First up the girls supported by 3 girls from Tunbridge Wells played Essex Bar Bars. The large strong girls from Essex took the ball centrally down the middle of the field and scored the only try the girls conceded, when one the girls ran straight between Ceri and Akina, who both thought the other would make the tackle. Communication was much better after that mishap, with Akina and Ceri directing the team. The girls scored 3 trys in response, the pick of them by Morgan, a 70m dash, dodging 3 cover defenders on route to the try line, each defender being left on their bottom, as she changed direction. Morgan Played, hooker, scrum half and centre, it seemed all at the same time

2nd game against Ashford and the girls were much more organised and efficient. Deep kick offs from Cei, with Akina leading the defensive charge placed the opposition under pressure immediately. The girls never over committed to any tackle or breakdown unless they were confident of gaining possession, either holding on for a choke tackle, or driving through the rucks. Once the ball was won it was quickly moved from the tackle zone, avoiding contact to make the score. Winners, by 35 points to nil

3rd game, supported by Ashford girls, was against Tumbridge Wells. Despite their inexperience, they were competitive in the tackle and fought hard in defense, but the inter play from the four girls was very effective, and the girls ran out winner 42 to nil. Tatum was dominating the lineouts and ran in a couple of long rang trys.

Though out the day, the four girls who played at a very high standard and scored all the try, but the all appreciated the help the other support girls did

As the girls had not been able to field a full team, they were not permitted to win the tournament despite winning all three games. However the girls made a lot of new friend and gained a lot of admires, who were very impressed by standard of play.

Thanks to Kent for providing the opportunity to play and the girls from the other teams who made it a fun day

Finally thanks to Mark Freeman, who provided a set of rugby shirts for the girls to play in, which they were able to keep as a memento of the day

Beckenham Rugby Football Club

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