If you were to look on the BUCS website and search Lancaster University, the top result under the form guide would undoubtedly be Lancaster University Women’s Rugby Union firsts. Arguably the most dominant sports team at the uni, the form guide reads WWWWWW and winning is certainly something they do well.
Back for a new campaign this time around, the union team are determined for more success following their comprehensive title victory last season. The dominant performance and composure shown in games provides an insight into the attitude and commitment of the players within the club, showing why exactly the team is so successful.
Last season’s league form couldn’t have possibly been better. The Rugby team won all their matches and were the stand-out team in the BUCS Northern 3A league throughout as they romped home to first place. Promotion to the 2A league was richly deserved as Ellie Sutherland’s team produced some eye-catching results, including a resounding 44-10 derby victory over UCUM.
The prowess of the team is arguably best personified by their colossal 107-0 victory over Manchester Metropolitan University at home in February.
Now led by new captain Bryony Rowe, the Lancaster girls will be looking to push one step further this season and embark on a successful campaign to win this new league and cement their place in league 1A amongst the other elite rugby sides.
Cup success however, has eluded them in recent seasons, but the 25-12 defeat to Teeside in the 2nd round last year will only spur on the team for future successes. With their talented pool of players and good supplement of freshers this year, one can only feel confident that Lancaster can compete with anybody else in the women’s union leagues.
Roses 2013 was a mixed bag for Lancaster in the women’s rugby. Despite two commanding victories in the women’s rugby sevens events, in which Lancaster well and truly put York to the sword- the full event did not quite go to plan. A nasty injury plagued, scrappy match saw York edge out a 15-5 victory to avenge their 60-7 thrashing the year before.
With the disappointment of the 2013 Roses defeat behind them and a new league to look forward to, the women’s rugby team can be nothing but confident of another successful season.
There’s also the small matter of Roses 2014 which coincides with the Varsity’s 50th anniversary making it one of the most important sporting events ever held at Lancaster. The Rugby team will be sure to want to get in on the act and repeat the drubbing of York two years previously.
With their first game away to Manchester Metropolitan University on October 30th, the team face an opening encounter that is sure to test their mettle in a new league. One thing you can guarantee however is that Mud, Snow, Rain, Hail, Sleet or Sunshine, the Lancaster University Women’s rugby team will be out on the field, Scrums and all.
