March’s Grassroots Teams of the Month
Congratulations to March’s winning Teams of the Month.
Electronic Match Card allows everything from tries and points scored to best defensive performance and kick percentage record to be viewed for every team from level three to 12.
Sheffield Women
Women’s Level 2&3
Women's Championship North 2: P3 W3
- 61 – 5 v Birkenhead Park Ladies
- 5 – 41 v Southport Ladies
- 5 – 31 v Birkenhead Park Ladies
Undefeated so far this season, Sheffield Women have won England Rugby’s Team of the Month for the third time.
Coach Clarissa Murphy said: “We’ve gone above and beyond what we could have expected this season. The players have shown consistent Improvement and it’s shaped an extremely enjoyable season.
We have two games left to play, and our goal is to finish the league with maximum points. It’s great to see Sheffield Women being recognised again for their achievements!”
Rotherham Titans
Men’s Level 3&4
National League 2 North: P4 W4
- 12 – 31 v Huddersfield
- 42 – 17 v Hull Ionians
- 29 – 47 v Hull
- 32 – 26 v Leeds Tykes
Rotherham Titans sit in second in National League 2 North and win March’s Team of the Month after four wins, including against league leaders Leeds Tykes.
Undefeated at home this season, and with just one loss on the road, the team have the second-highest number of total points scored in their league, with 827 points scored this season, thanks in part to top try scorer John Okafor and top points scorer Richard Hayes.
Harrogate
Men’s Level 5
Regional 1 North East: P5 W4 L1
- 34 – 25 v Blaydon (L)
- 20 – 15 v Alnwick
- 22 – 18 v Cleckheaton
- 5 – 7 v Doncaster Phoenix
- 54 – 26 v Doncaster Phoenix
Harrogate sit on top of Regional 1 North East, with 16 wins and 2 draws, and have won promotion to National League 2 North at the first attempt. They are on a five-game winning streak and have scored the highest number of total points in their league.
Rory Macnab is the team’s top points scorer with 96 points, and William Hill is the top try scorer with seven this season.
Long Eaton
Men’s Level 6
Regional 2 Midlands North: P4 W4
- 41 – 23 v Tamworth
- 48 – 22 v Newark
- 29 – 31 v Mellish
- 35 – 21 v Walsall
Long Eaton have won March’s Team of the Month and have secured promotion for next season.
Coach Murray Mcconnell said: “It has been really pleasing to finish the season so strongly against some very tough opposition. We have had 40 + guys training twice a week which is something we are really proud of and to see the guys get rewarded for all their hard work is excellent.
I’m hopeful that we will carry this momentum to finish the league strongly and have a good crack at the cup!”
Pulborough Women
Women’s Level 4-6
Women's NC 1 South East (South): P3 W3
- 61 – 26 v Guernsey Ladies
- 24 – 31 v Heathfield & W Ladies
- 28 – 20 v Dartford Valley Ladies
Captain Abi Wheatly said: “We’ve played a number of exciting games in March. Against Guernsey, we stepped it up a notch in the second half to win the game with a big scoreline. The next week, we beat Heathfield despite wet conditions, and it was the first time we’ve been able to beat them.
“Our final match of the month was Dartford at home. With it being our last home game of the season, we wanted to put on a good performance for the spectators and supporters. We scored all of our points in the first half and spent the second half saw a lot of defending in our the 22 but we held on for the win.
“March will definitely be a month to remember as we have stuck together as a team and not given up even when games have been tough. We look forward to ending the season on a high!”
Widnes
Men’s Level 7
Counties 1 Lancashire & Cheshire: P5 W5
- 38 – 16 v Wilmslow
- 14 – 87 v Warrington
- 16 – 19 v West Park (St Helens)
- 57 – 7 v Warrington
- 32 – 17 v Aspull
Andy McIntosh, Widnes Head Coach, said: “It’s great to be recognised as Level 7 Team of the Month. The majority of this first team squad have come through our junior section which is testament to the efforts of all involved at the club.
“Throughout March, the team has have really kicked on with some spirited defence, great teamwork and scoring some great team tries. A particular highlight was our performance against a strong Wilmslow side at home, reversing a result from earlier on in the season.
“The coaching staff are very proud of the way the lads have pulled together as a squad across the whole year.”
Ian Thompson, Club President, added: “To be selected as the Level 7 Team of the Month for March is a great honour for both the team and the Club.
“We have a dedicated group of willing volunteers who are happy to turn their hand to any number of tasks necessary to maintain a successful community rugby union club, whether that be coaching the mini and junior teams, or forking the pitch on a wet and cold match day afternoon.”
Taunton II
Men’s Level 8
Counties 2 Tribute Somerset: P5 W5
- 45 – 10 v Wells
- 24 – 10 v Imperial
- 41 – 15 v Huish Tigers
- 14 – 22 v Imperial
- 27 – 63 v Wells
John Wrelton, Chairman and 2nd XV Coach said: “I am incredibly proud of what this young squad has achieved this season and to be named the Team of the Month for March has really topped off what has been a great season.
“We have such a young squad and shows the pathway for our incredible junior section to be able to play senior rugby and test themselves in the next step of their rugby journey. The team have always played with smiles on faces and enjoyed all the challenges that a rugby season can throw at you. The supporters have been amazing throughout the season so a special thanks go to them for coming out and supporting our club.”
Newcastle (Staffs) II
Men’s Level 9-12
Counties 3 Midlands West (North): P4 W4
- 18 – 33 v Cannock
- 68 – 19 v Eccleshall
- 76 – 17 v Aldridge
- 5 – 25 v Eccleshall
Gareth Rawlings, Newcastle (Staffs) Head Coach, said: "It is an absolutely fantastic achievement for the 2s. They had a tough start to the season, but with a combination of hard work and high aspirations, they have deservedly come good as of late and will look to finish just as strong.
“We are really made up for all the lads who have played in the team this season. Top effort from all involved and this award is something to take into next season to hit the ground running."
William Vernon, Newcastle (Staffs) II Co-captain, said: "The hard work we have put in throughout the season in training and on match days finally came to fruition in March and has allowed us to go on a great run to finish off the campaign.”
Louis Cartlidge, Newcastle (Staffs) II Co-captain, added: “To head into our last league game of the season as team of the month is an honour and leading the boys out every week has been a pleasure.
I take great pride in saying it has been a great season, and to be recognised by the England RFU is the icing on the cake. Here's to keeping the momentum and positivity for a good cup run!"
