Becky was attending the dinner at the club where she has previously held the roles of Mini & Junior Chairperson, Women's 1st XV Captain, Senior Men’s 1st XV Injury Therapist, Club Secretary. She now holds the roles of Vice President and on-call Society Ref. 

Having planned to watch the afternoon's home fixture, Eccleshall 1st XV vs Wednesbury 1st XV, from the comforts of the touchline after finishing her meal, Becky found herself taking charge of the game after the original referee was forced to pull out. 

She said: "I was looking forward to watching the afternoon's game to pick up a few more gems of referee learning and share the touchline chat with good friends and former players!

"I could have said no, but my overriding thought was that if I didn't, I'd regret it! It was only then that I considered the full stomach and complete lack of mental preparation, and of course, I had no kit!"

After a quick dash home to pick up her kit, boots and whistle, Becky found herself in the middle of the pitch within half an hour of being asked to referee. 

"There’s always that faint feeling of apprehension in the lead up to a game", Becky continued. "On this occasion it was all rolled into a manic half-hour slot with barely any time to think.

"Once you’re out there in the middle you’re just completely in the moment and you understand absolutely why you put yourself through it! It’s rugby, it’s a fabulous game, and I love it!"