For the last 6 seasons Basildon have entered a team in the National 7s, with mixed results and last year finished as winners of the Plate.  This year it was to be so much better.

The Under 17s played Letchworth and then Andover in their pool games.  Neither side presenting too much of a problem for the young ladies from Basildon, captained by Kat Emerson, the team won their pool comfortably. 

The semi final was to be against old adversaries Fullarians, a team that had previously been unbeaten by Basildon.  This weekend however the Fullarians suffered defeat by both the Seniors and Under 17s.  The win over the Under 17s Fullarian side was a huge triumph for the Basildon team who won 17 – 5 to take them through to the final of the cup competition.

The final would be against Worcester.  Worcester had won the competition for the last two seasons and were tough opposition.  They had beaten Petersfield another great team in the semis and were looking strong favourites to win the trophy for the 3^rd time.

The Basildon team coached by Mr Chris Emerson went out onto the field with a determination to win.  The first try was to go to the fired up Basildon team a great score with the ball won time and again by the forwards and through constant pressure.  But Worcester would not give in easily and came back with a try to level the score.  Just before half time Basildon went over the line again and this time the try was converted.  Early in the second half Worcester came back again with another try and conversion to level the scores.  But in the end it was the support play and total commitment from the Basildon players and the belief that they could win that came together to contribute to the final try.

It was a hard fought game with a match winning hat trick of tries for Captain Kat Emerson that took the girls to the pinnacle of their season.  A great way for Kat, Veronica, Sarah, Libby, Vicky, Lauren and Chris to end their last season as a Under 17s as Senior rugby now beckons.

The fantastic squad of players who won the day were:-

Natalie McClarnon

Veronica Ely

Charlotte Micallef

Lauren Searles

Stacey Law

Sian Hawkins

Libby Peak

Sarah McKenna

Vicky Harris

Kassie Sparrow

Chris Walker

Kat Emerson

All those involved in the Basildon women and girls squads were overjoyed for the girls.  They look forward to the new season and welcome any women or girls who would like to try a great team sport to come and join them.  If you are interested in joining in training sessions or would like to know more please contact Heather Allison on 0776270619, Phil Robson on 07813195310 or Chris Emerson on 07775635920.