Grassroots Teams of the Month announced for October
Congratulations to October’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.
Kendal Wasps
Women’s Level 2&3
Women's Championship North 2: P3 W3
- 0 – 29 v Harrogate Ladies
- 19 – 7 v Sefton Ladies
- 10 – 12 v Birkenhead Park Ladies
Captain Kate Birchall said: “In our victory against Birkenhead Park, we won the game in the last play. The ball was passed and recycled through nearly every set of hands before we crossed the try line.
“At the beginning of the season, we were at the other side of a last-minute try. This time we gritted our teeth, and our resilience dragged us to a hard-fought and exhausting win.
“Just as much as we turn up for the rugby, we turn up to see our friends, to pick up those needing a bit more love, or to receive it ourselves. We’re lucky to be a part of an incredibly diverse team and a welcoming and inclusive club.”
President Arthur Perie added: “From the side being on the brink of collapse a few years ago, to now at a stage where winning becomes "a habit", is so pleasing. Not only for the club but all the people involved.”
Fylde
Men’s Level 3&4
National League 2 North: P4 W4
- 22 – 45 v Tynedale
- 61 – 14 v Harrogate
- 26 – 33 v Sheffield Tigers
- 32 – 35 v Hull Ionians
Chairman Mark Nelson said: “This recognition highlights the talent and hard work of the players, coaches, management, and support group at the club and the effort, on and off the pitch, that goes into producing the performances that the group has achieved over the past six weeks.”
Head Coaches Chris Briers and Alex Loney added: “We have progressed a great deal and we are at a point where things are starting to gel and the players can see the rewards of their hard work. Having three away games in October was a huge challenge, but the team has started to show their potential with four bonus point wins.
“We are far from the finished article at this moment, but we are excited to see how good this squad can be.”
Cheltenham North Women
Women’s Level 4-6
Women's NC 3 South West (North): P3 W3
- 81 – 0 v Minchinhampton Women
- 0 – 79 v Fairford Women
- 34 – 5 v Pershore Women
Head Coach David Payne said: “Our team is made up of players who were not only new to rugby, but new to competitive team sport in general. We spent two years in the Inner Warrior league, and this will be our second season playing in National Challenge 3.
“We have over 40 players registered and are unbeaten this season. It’s a huge credit to the effort and determination of all the players and coaches.”
Bromsgrove
Men's Level 5
Regional 1 Midlands: P3 W3
- 13 – 60 v Silhillians
- 6 – 52 v Burton
- 64 – 19 v Derby
Dan Protherough, Director of Rugby, said: “This year the players seem a bit hungrier and there is a great togetherness amongst the lads. A few older players have left, and those spaces have been filled with some youthful endeavour. Players have really stepped up to take on the workload and we've played some great rugby.
“It is always special to see players who have come through from our junior section playing and doing well and one great example of this is Ollie Ingram who has slotted into the fullback role incredibly well.
“We know that we have a very challenging November and December but rather than get too far ahead of ourselves we will take one game at a time and make sure we are where our feet are.”
Middlesbrough
Men’s Level 6
Regional 2 North: P3 W3
- 21 – 39 v Northern
- 39 – 8 v Guisborough
- 10 – 52 v Upper Eden
Captain Jack Mcphillips said “Nearly all of our players have come through our junior section which is currently thriving with some great volunteers doing the unseen work.
“We sadly lost our friend and club member Richard Ward earlier this year, he would be very proud of this award and how the club is doing.”
Head Coach Ollie Hodgson added: “The club has fielded three senior teams each week throughout October, as well as having hundreds of boys and girls playing every Sunday morning. We are very proud to achieve this award and hopefully, it will inspire the younger players to keep playing rugby through to a senior level.”
Redruth II
Men’s Level 7
Counties 1 Tribute Western West: P4 W4
- 22 – 21 v Bideford
- 34 – 36 v Tavistock
- 19 – 46 v Bude
- 5 – 33 v Penryn
Head Coach Richie Kevern said: "The hard work the squad put in over pre-season and the start of the season is now starting to show. We had a tough start with a new league level but this young group have shown great character and resilience whilst playing some exciting rugby. I'm sure this recognition will continue to motivate the squad. Well done to them all!"
Club President Dave Penberthy added: “The core of the group is made up of players who have come through the club’s youth system. As a club we have always stated that our youth system is the foundation that our club is built on and it is great to see these boys coming through and gaining valuable experience that will prepare them well for National League Rugby when required.”
Devonport Services II
Men’s Level 8
Counties 2 Tribute Devon: P3 W3
- 7 – 35 v Tamar Saracens
- 83 – 7 v Exmouth II
- 25 – 43 v South Molton
Coach Tom Richards said: “We are very pleased to have won this award. The lads have been fantastic and it’s a demonstration of how much effort the lads have been putting in to win this award and remain unbeaten.
“It's been a real pleasure to help some of the younger boys come through the system and be successful in the senior setup. It’s been even more pleasing to get this award with still so many people out with injuries and that's a true credit to the lads for stepping up.
“I’m so excited to see how this team keeps growing – they’re such a great bunch of boys.”
Syston II
Men’s Level 9 to 12
Counties 3 Midlands West (East): P3 W3
- 22 – 84 v Lichfield II
- 14 – 78 v Nuneaton II
- 59 – 12 v Atherstone
Head of Rugby Alex White said: “Our 2nd XV has had an excellent start to the season and the club is delighted to have it acknowledged this month. Like many clubs, our 1st and 2nd XV train together as one big squad and this recognition is a testament to their efforts and their closeness as a group off the pitch.
“They are coached very well by two club legends, Rob Nockles and Rob Booth, and have co-captains Tom Judd and Blake Tressler who continue to set high standards for a group with an average age of 21 years old.
“Seven players from this group have already earned 1st XV appearances this season and that number will only grow in the coming weeks and months.”
