Last weekend the Ealing Girls Youth Section embarked on their first ever tour. The Worthing 10’s Festival is one of the country’s major girls rugby events, with over 50 teams and 750 players taking part. With this year’s theme being “Totally Tropical” the Ealing entourage armed themselves with Hawaiian shirts, giant Banana outfits, Parrot costumes, Hula skirts and garlands as well as rugby boots and gumshields and set off to the festival site.

Both the U12 and U14 Girls teams performed admirably, against some very physical and organised teams. The U12s played brilliantly, progressing from the group stage to the second phase of the tournament, beating the host side before narrow losses against the eventual finalists, including an agonising last second defeat against Ashford. The U14s were equally fantastic. Placed in a very tough group against some incredibly strong opposition, the girls were competitive in almost all of their games, no more so than in their final match of the festival where – despite losing some key players through injury – they secured a draw with the eventual U14 winners, Beccs Valley RFC.

As always whilst the rugby formed a large part of the tour experience, plenty of fun was had off the pitch by players and parents alike. The girls especially embraced the opportunity to spend more time with each other and grow closer as a group of friends. Whilst several of the parents got into the festival spirit, and also propped up the hotel bar a good bit later than they should!

As always, huge thanks go to the Ealing Tour Organisers, and the players and parents themselves for making the whole weekend so memorable!