Last season (2003-04) Vale won the league North One and beat the top teams from the South East, South West and Midlands to gain promotion to Premiership Two. They also won the National Shield beating Richmond II’s in a thrilling final at Broadstreet. Expecting the standard in Prem II to be a huge step up, Vale surprised many including themselves to win the league and promotion to the top national league.

This leaves Vale of Lune as the top NW women’s side, being the equivalent of Sale Sharks in the Women’s national leagues. Next season the ladies will be playing the likes of Wasps, Saracens and Richmond as they take up the challenge of playing against the country’s best.

Founded in 1992 by husband and wife team Bryan and Sue Garnett, the team continues to thrive under the leadership of Coach Bryan and Manager Sue. Over the years, 8 Vale players have gone on to achieve international honours at student or academy level.