This year however, was the best yet for Mowden. At Harpenden, Hertfordshire not only did they win the Plate competition, winning convincingly in the final against Wimbourne, but one of their players – Sarah Ferguson – was named Under17 Player of the Tournament.

Chris Webb who manages the girls’ teams at Mowden Park commented:

To be named Player of the Tournament in such a prestigious competition with girls from all over the country playing, is a fantastic achievement - a tremendous accolade for Sarah, our Club and for women’s rugby in the North East. I am extremely proud of Sarah and the whole team who have all trained so hard and really do deserve their success.

Sarah said:

I knew I had played well. I got 12 tries in the tournament including 3 in the final, but didn’t think I would be singled out and presented with such an award. I was really pleased and excited and now just want to keep on training and get better and better.

Sarah, from Ingleby Barwick, started playing rugby at Mowden Park four years ago when she was 12 years old and, as well as  playing for the Club, has played representative rugby for Durham County and the North East. She’s now got her sights set on the Under 19 England Trials in September …….and her GCSEs in June!