London Skolars and Elmbridge Eagles Rugby League created sporting history on Saturday 12th June 2021.
London’s first ever RFL sanctioned junior Rugby League game for junior girls took place in Wood Green, the home of London Skolars.
In a gripping encounter the Under 15s contest ended with a 20- 20 draw. The winner was definitely Rugby league with the girls arriving and leaving with smiles on their faces. Both sides are looking forward to the return fixture on July 10th at Elmbridge and are exploring other possible fixtures with Hemel Stags and Rutlish Raiders.
London Skolars’ Community Development Manger, Kev Flanagan commented – “All involved should be congratulated. This is a wonderful achievement for both clubs. It has been great working with these girls and watching them develop as Rugby players. We hope to expand our girls offering over the coming season and believe this will be the first of many sanctioned fixtures in London and the South East”
Kevin Rudd, former Head of European Rugby League and a volunteer coach at Elmbridge enthused ’ All the girls today displayed great courage and skill, they are a credit to their families and the volunteers of both clubs who supported them to make this game happen. Prior to this first game, they received a personal message of support from Jody Cunningham, England Women’s World Cup 2021 Ambassador- which was quite inspirational. It was a pleasure to be part of another pioneering first, after previously being at the birth of the sport in over a dozen countries and different continents and being involved in the London League when London Skolars first started in the 1990s. Thanks to Kev Flanagan and the team at London Skolars for hosting today- any junior girls teams interested in playing – please contact admin@elmbridgerl.com or kevflanagan@skolarsrl.com
Aside from the girls’ first fixture, the Junior boys also competed in closely fought matches. The club’s u12s lost 40-44 and the U11s enjoyed their first friendly fixture of the season, in the sunshine at New River.
With more players joining every week, all involved are looking forward to the second half of the Junior Season.
