In challenging wet and windy conditions, this tour friendly between Newport Salop U16s and Market Harborough U16s was a wonderful advertisement for youth rugby, played in outstanding spirit, full of laughter, resilience, and impressive skill from both sides.

The first half was played 11-a-side, with Phoebe and Alice from Market Harborough sportingly helping Newport Salop for the opening period, immediately setting the tone for a match built on cooperation and enjoyment as much as competition.

Newport opened the scoring with a well-worked try on the left-hand side, applying early pressure and capitalising on territory to take a 5–0 lead. Market Harborough responded superbly, showing real determination to work their way back down the pitch. A strong, direct run from Isi broke the defensive line before a perfectly timed offload sent Isla over for a well-earned try, bringing the scores level at 5–5.

Harborough then found their rhythm, with Megan announcing her presence in style in her new boots!!, making a fantastic break before offloading to Belle, who finished confidently in the corner. Moments later, Megan showcased her speed and power once again, sprinting down the wing to score another superb try, giving Harborough a 15–5 lead.

Newport showed great resolve to close the gap before half-time. Committed rucking, strong ball carrying, and sustained pressure inside the Harborough 22 were rewarded with a try to the right of the posts, which was converted, sending the teams into the break with Harborough narrowly ahead at 15–12.

The second half began with Market Harborough playing some outstanding rugby, working patiently into the Newport 22. Phoebe showed real bravery carrying the ball back out for Newport, but quick reactions at the breakdown saw Isla turn the ball over. From the resulting penalty, Isi produced a moment of real quality, slicing through the defence to score under the posts before calmly converting her own try to extend the lead to 22–12.

Newport once again responded immediately, demonstrating excellent fluid rugby to work their way into the Harborough 22 and score in the left-hand corner, narrowing the score to 22–17 and keeping the contest alive.

Harborough then delivered one of the standout moments of the match with a fabulous team try. Slick passing and confident handling moved the ball seamlessly from left to right. Emily made a brilliant break and, despite being held just short of the line, showed great awareness to offload to Lily Freeman, who finished under the posts. Megan added the conversion to stretch the lead to 29–17.

A highly competitive final period followed, with strong set-piece work, physical exchanges, and excellent discipline from both teams. The match was fittingly sealed by Tilley, who picked from the base of the scrum and showed pure determination and pace to sprint over for the final try of the game, making the final score 34–17.

From start to finish, this match was played in fantastic spirit and amazing humour. It is not often that players, coaches, parents, and spectators all share so many laughs during a rugby match, but this game was a joy to watch. Communication, ball handling, and positional play were outstanding across the team, resulting in a thoroughly deserved win for the Market Harborough girls. A huge thank you to Newport Salop for hosting and contributing to such a memorable tour match.