REPORT FROM BILLY HENDERSON

Many thanks to supporters of both teams to come and cheer the girls on a terrible weather wise night.

Rosy Ryan from the SRU popped down to watch the game and present the trophy. We thank her very much for doing so.

A few of our girls are in the SRU pathway so it was pleasing that she could see them and both sets of players get stuck right into a local derby.

Afterwards we chatted about some of the girls who had performed well.

We opted to play into the wind in the first half and try and use it to our advantage. Dumfries started well and caused us a few problems – especially at the ruck where our ball carrier was getting isolated – holding onto the ball and getting penalised for doing so. We sharpened up later on.

A young Dumfries team had physically developed since we last played them, bravely tackled some of our “bruiser” Girls. Mia was voted by our girls as deserved opposition Player of the Match. Yvie was chosen as our Player of the Match.

Very pleasing to see my old friend and ex Annan Rugby player Barry Graham there to support his daughters first game for Dumfries at U16 Level. Barry used to be 3rd fittest man at Annan in his heyday which was a long time ago – good to see his girls takes after his mother.

Annan have been lucky with this bunch of girls – some coming though the mini ranks. I first met most of them at U14 Level and have travelled on this journey together.

A few have joined us on our way – including Aylie Jamieson who travels from Stranraer. She is really a ’Shire Girl but with low numbers there and a few of her friends in our team she joined us. I should really thank her parents for giving up a lot of time right now transport her.

It’s not all about players and coaches – lots of people help behind the scenes and they are worthy of praise.

Hopefully we will get a few more games this season at U16 level, after that most of the team will move up to U18 level and as they say “A Whole New Ball Game”

This end of season or preseason I would like to take the girls on a small tour, possibly Wales trip for team building, rugby games and memories.

However it all costs money. So if any businesses or individual thought we were worthy of supporting the girls and their sporting steps in life’s great adventure please get in contact with me (Billy Henderson – 07885 630703)

A happy coaching teams at Annan says well done girls!

And finally, many thanks to the Annan men and Women’s teams for allowing us to steal their training pitch for the night!