U16 Girls County Cup – Match Report

Our final County Cup league fixture of the 2025–26 season saw us travel to Leicester Forest East to face a combined side representing Leicester Forest East RFC, Oadby Wyggston RFC and Syston RFC on the LFE 4G pitch. Before kick-off, players, coaches and supporters from both teams observed a respectful minute’s silence in memory of Jacob Hardwick.

The game began at a high tempo. From the opening kick-off, Vicky gathered well and produced a powerful 20-metre run into opposition territory, immediately setting an attacking tone. After several passages of attack and counter-attack from both sides, a quick tap penalty from Summer released Aaliyah, who cut a confident line through the defence to score beneath the posts. Kayleigh added the conversion to open the scoring.

From the restart, determined carrying from Grace and Vicky drove play deep into the opposition 22 before strong defensive work from the combined side forced a turnover. Sustained pressure followed at the Harborough end, but excellent organisation and composure allowed the team to regain possession. A break from the backs saw Phoebe drive forward before offloading to Taya in support, who finished the move well to extend the lead to 0–12.

Strong teamwork continued from the restart, with Talulah and Vicky combining effectively to regain territory. After an intelligent offload from Alice created space, Aaliyah crossed for her second try of the match, again converted by Kayleigh to bring the score to 0–19.

The next phase of play highlighted the forwards’ work rate, with Lily Frearson securing clean ball at the ruck and enabling quick distribution across the backs. This platform allowed Alice Wilkinson to make an impressive 60-metre run to the try line, extending the score to 0–24.

The combined side responded positively, applying pressure through structured phases and earning a line-out close to the try line. Their persistence was rewarded with a well-worked try, narrowing the score to 5–24 and reflecting the competitive spirit shown by both teams.

A key moment of sportsmanship followed when it became clear the opposition were playing a player short. After discussion between coaches and referee, Harborough loaned a player to ensure a balanced contest — a decision that embodied the values of the game.

Play resumed with continued attacking intent. A well-judged kick ahead from Summer, followed by quick reactions to a favourable bounce, resulted in another team try, moving the score to 5–29. Windy conditions then tested handling for both sides, but the players adapted well. A strong midfield carry from Phoebe created momentum, and quick awareness from Taya saw her capitalise on space to add another try, converted by Kayleigh for 5–36.

The forwards continued to provide an excellent platform, with Aaliyah, Jemima and Lily Frearson carrying strongly and maintaining possession through multiple phases. Fluid interplay between Grace, Kayleigh, Phoebe, Taya and Scarlett stretched the defence, allowing Taya to complete her hat-trick following sustained team pressure. Kayleigh’s accurate kicking added the extras.

From the restart, Isla led another determined forward drive supported by Jemima and Isi. Quick ball from Grace released Alice once more, whose persistence in contact helped maintain attacking momentum. With defenders drawn in, Isi identified space and finished the move confidently, with Kayleigh again converting.

The final passages of play reflected the team’s fitness and support play. Strong carrying created width in attack before Emily released Alice down the left wing for another long-range team try following excellent build-up play.

After a competitive opening half, coaches from both sides combined the squads for a mixed training game, with bibbed and non-bibbed teams featuring players from each club. The session provided valuable learning opportunities and plenty of enjoyment, reinforcing the positive environment created throughout the afternoon.

The day concluded with warm hospitality from the hosts and celebrations for a Leicester Forest East player’s 16th birthday — a fitting end to a match defined by teamwork, effort, sportsmanship and shared enjoyment of the game.