The county selections took place following trials at Stevenage last month. Nearly sixty girls from across the county took part, including most of the previous year's squad. Breaking into the team was therefore quite an achievement – especially for young players such as Laura and Natalie who have only move up from U14 rugby this season.

The growth in the club's contribution to county rugby is reflected by the growth the clubs U17 squad, which, with 22 players, is now probably the largest in the East Region and one of the biggest nationally - a remarkable performance for a section in only its third year.

As a result it also a young section – the core of the squad could still be playing together at Letchworth in 2009/10 – but has enormous potential and is already beginning to make a mark against older and more experienced opposition. Two weeks ago Letchworth took on – and beat – what was almost a Buckinghamshire XV 22-19 at Milton Keynes and last weekend finished a creditable fifth at the Beckenham Festival in Kent, losing only one game (to eventual finalists Welwyn), but beating both Havant (from Hampshire) and Westcliffe (from Essex).

The team is also making a mark off the field as the centre of one of the most popular "blogs" devoted to the female game. Approaching 4,000 people have logged into the site – http://letchworthgirls.blogspot.com- which features news about the club and the broader game, and even now has a video highlights section.