Darlington Mowden Park and Scunthorpe were two of the first rugby clubs in the country to develop girls’ rugby. Over the years, in spite of there being more than 100 miles separating them, the coaches and managers have developed a close working relationship, developing talent and sharing expertise and ideas. The players of both clubs get on well together and there is a good natured rivalry between them. The girls play regular fixtures both home and away and are invited to guest at tournaments held by their respective clubs.  For example, Scunthorpe will be involved in this season’s North East 7s competition which will be held at Mowden Park in May. Consequently, Mowden Park was delighted to join with Scunthorpe to form an Under 17s Barbarian team to play, at Scunthorpe, against a touring high school side from Canada.

 École Kwantlen Park School from Surrey, British Columbia arrived in the UK on March 9 and their itinerary included tourist highlights – London, York and a quick trip across the Channel to Paris – as well as two rugby matches at Scunthorpe and Northampton, before returning home to Canada on March 22. The party of 26 players enjoyed their visit to England and the game at Scunthorpe on March 12 was one of the highlights.

The Mowden Park girls left a snowy Darlington, travelling down to Scunthorpe early in the morning, with great anticipation and hoping that the match would not be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. They met their Scunthorpe colleagues, firmed up a match plan and had time for some training before playing the Canadians who looked formidable but whose ability and capability were unknown. In blizzard - like conditions the match kicked off with both sides trying to size up their opposition. Sarah Ferguson, from Mowden, scored the first try for the Barbarians with a sprint down the left wing.  The Canadians were not fazed and Anna Spyker responded from a quickly taken penalty that the Barbarians were slow to respond to and evened up the score 5 – 5. Mowden fly half, Amber Hyde, then scored for the Barbarians from a kick of her own following a mistake from the Canadian scrum half and this was followed by another sparkling try from Sarah Ferguson ; converted by Hyde,  the score was taken to 17 – 5. To the Canadians credit they kept their spirits up and their prop powered her way through the centre to score under the posts. This was converted by Anna Spyker to give the final result of 17 – 12.

Chris Web, Mowden Park’s team manager commented:

 The game turned out to be closely contested but the Barbarians’ narrow victory was largely due to them getting a better start and passing the ball wide in the first quarter before the cold denied both teams the facility to handle the ball quickly and pass it to their backs. . All in all it was a great experience and for all concerned I am sure it will be one of their most memorable rugby moments.

There was a post match meal of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, followed by apple crumble and custard.  Afterwards there were speeches and an exchange of Club plaques, shirts and other gifts with a presentation of player of the match being made to Anna Spyker. Once the formalities were over the Canadian girls went on to sample the hospitality and social atmosphere of a traditional English rugby club.  A good time was had by all!

Photo attached – Mowden/Scunthorpe Barbarians in green and white hoped shirts.