What a season it has been for the girls! Back in September we knew at the start of the season that we would have this set of girls for 2 seasons due to the moving of the age groups next year. Having lost several experienced girls from the previous season they were being replaced by younger girls moving up from the lower age bracket, so we were looking at this year to be a development year. What developed was a season of extraordinary success.
In the full 15 a side game we won the South East league division 2 winning all our matches and not even conceding a point. All of our friendly matches were victories as well and to top this we got all the way to the National Cup final. In the final we were only beaten by a team that was drawn from 5 different clubs, so the girls can claim to be the best single club side in England this season. The statistical record was played 13, won 12, lost 1, points for 400, points against 25.
In the 10 a side game we didn't have any warm up games but went straight into the South and South East Championships, which we won, winning all our matches again without conceding a point. This took us to the National Finals where we finished third in the country. For the record the statistics were played 11, won 9, lost 2, points for 161, points against 24.
We took a very inexperienced team to the National Sevens not expecting to achieve much especially with some of more natural sevens players unavailable. To win our pool, and the quarter final and to lose the semi final by only one conversion was an outstanding effort. Again the statistics were played 5, won 4, lost 1, points for 114, points against 21.
This gives an overall record for the season of played 29, won 25, lost 4, points for 675, points against 70 which is an outstanding achievement.
From a coaching point of view the development of the players in terms of their skills has been great as well as seeing the teamwork and camaraderie grow through the season. One of the reasons for our success has been that when players have been switched positionally, or swapped with other players the team remains as strong. This has meant that in competitions we have been able to use the squad and not rely on 1 or 2 individuals as other teams seem to have done.
On a individual basis Bryony was selected for the TDG camps, which is for the top 30 players in the country. Ellis, Becky and Poppy were also selected to play for their regional squads and Hannah and both Amy's were selected to play county rugby this year. Our thanks go to Emma for her captaincy during the season and our best wishes go to Clare as she moves up to Ladies rugby next season.
Well done to all the girls for a fantastic season. You should be very proud of yourselves because your coaches and parents are very proud of you.

Leyton Buzzard was the venue for the National 7's this year and we took a young squad with some of our more experienced players injured or unavailable, the coaches agreed that this was to be a day to be enjoyed, without the pressure of winning and perhaps we would go for the Plate. A good day for rugby with it being cool but dry.
Our first match in our pool was against Tylderloo. As coaches we were not sure what to expect. What we didn't expect was Amy S running riot and scoring 4 tries in one game. The whole team played some fantastic rugby, drawing in the opposition before spinning the ball out wide where the gaps were - true classic sevens rugby. In total we scored 3 tries in each half for a victory of 30 v 0 against a team that was better than the score suggests.
The second match was against Paviors who had given us such a good game in the National 10's. In the first half they did to us what we had given out in the first match - they sucked in our defence and spun the ball out wide and by half time they had a 14 v 0 lead. One of Wimborne's positive characteristics is that they fight against the odds and they were not going to let this team through without a fight. Gaining control of the ball we drove deep into their 22 and some good handling saw us score in the corner. Although he conversion was missed the try gave us heart and Paviours something to worry about and we were soon spinning the ball about and driving deep into their territory. Some slick hands a good dummy and some great running lines and we were in for another try and only 2 points down. We couldn't pull off such a come back could we? Oh yes we could and for me it was the try of the day as all the team were involved in a sweeping move from one end of the field to another with all aspects of play, passing, running lines, ball retention in contact, ball out of contact and support play to die for.
Our final pool match was against Basford. Confidence was running high from the last match and despite playing back to back matches with no rest our use of our squad meant that the tries were a flowing again. Two score in the first half and three in the second were created and with three of them being converted a tired squad had won the game 31 v 0 and had come top of the pool.
The advantage of winning your pool was that you played a runner up from another pool. Our opponents were Tynedale who were a good sevens side whose tackling especially in the first half was great and we had only managed one score in the first half despite lots of pressure. Eventually though our pressure and great defence broke the spirit of the opposition and after a good second try, three more followed in quick succession. With three conversions we had another 31 v 0 victory and a place in the last four.
The opponents in the semis were Mowden Park from Darlington and they proved to be a very good side indeed. We tried to suck the defence in but their one on one tackling superb and we were unable to break through. Eventually the forwards gained some momentum and playing a bit 15 a side like drove the ball through the Mowden defence and were able to score in the corner. The conversion from a tight angle was close but just wide. The second half was a different story and Mowden kicked very well and was able to put us under lots of pressure. Our defence held out but they regained the ball and attacked out wide. Again the tackle went in and the linesman gave us a penalty for holding on. The ref ignored this and gave them a penalty instead. From the penalty they drove to the line and quick recycled ball they sneaked under the defence to score. The conversion was successful. The remainder of the game ebbed and flowed but without scoring opportunities and Mowden had a 7 v 5 victory that took them into the final. The other losing semi finalists were Paviors who we had beaten earlier so we can claim to be the 3rd best in the country at sevens this year. (I still reckon we would have won the plate). Again the girls can be immensely proud of their efforts and they showed great skill, fight and commitment on the day. This was the last game for Clare who is now moving up to ladies rugby. We would like to thank Clare for all her hard work, great skill and commitment to Wimborne girls rugby. She has been a great asset to the team over many years and we wish her every success in the ladies game in the future.

So it was less than a month later that we would return to Lichfield for another National final. Gone was the stifling heat and we arrived to drizzle on firm pitches. By the end of the day the pitches were a quagmire with up to 6 inches of standing water on them despite the pitches being on quite a steep slope.
This was a 6 team tournament (2 others had dropped out on the day) played on a league basis.
First up were a team called Paviors who hailed from Leicester. Early notice of what a good team they were was given when they drove our forwards off the ball and launched an attack and only some great defending held them out. Unfortunately this defending came at the price of a broken figure for Louisa. Slowly our forwards got control of the ball and started rolling forward. With the backs using the ball well and going for the gaps it was some great combination play that enabled our wings to skate around the cover defence and score. The try was converted and gave us the half time lead. The coaches felt that another score could have won the game the Paviors stepped up their defence in the second hald and we couldn't find a way through. Back came Paviors on the attack and by some good mauling play they were able to create the gap out wide to score. Crucially the conversion was missed. The rest of the second half was dominated by Paviors but Wimborne's defence is one of the best in the country and every tackle was made with great vigour and that was to be the end of the scoring and a hard fought 7 v 5 victory was ours.
Next up were Dorking who had qualified with us from earlier. They wanted revenge but our defence was at its meanest best and they never looked liked breaking through. Early on our forwards launched a great pick and drive sequence and rolling the maul broke the defence and we were through to score. We quickly regained possession from the restart and this time it was the backs time to sparkle with some great handling and running lines the defence was breached and we had scored again and added the conversion making the score 12 v 0 at half time. In the second half the rain got worse, my video camera got waterlogged and conditions became dreadful for playing any good rugby. Like the first match a couple of injuries made the game disjointed and it was a relief that the final whistle was blown with a 12 v 0 victory confirmed.
Our third match was against Letchworth who had also beaten Dorking in their previous match. Playing uphill and against the wind we kept the ball in the forwards and it was some great driving forward play against a dogged defence that gained us the territory so score the first try. Back came Letchworth in the time that remained but the defence held out (and held the ball up over the line) as the half time whistle sounded. Turning round we were able to use the wind and slope to our advantage and with territory gained the pressure was converted into 2 second half tries both of which were converted. This was a much tougher match than the 19 v 0 final score suggested.
Our penultimate match was against Welwyn who had given us such a fright on the way to the 15 a side final. Although we were able to produce some early pressure Welwyn used the slope and wind to their advantage and when we finally were forced to turn the ball over they found a gap out wide to score. Another slight mistake caused a turnover and they had slipped through for another score just before half time and we were facing a 12 v 0 deficit. After half time back came the girls with renewed determination and the second half we totally dominated. Twice we were given penalties by the ref when we were in the act of scoring so how they were not penalty tries I will never know. Despite this the Welwyn defence was tremendous and although we battered and battered their line we could not break through and the final whistle blew to end our hopes of victory in the tournament.
The final match was against Worcester who had beaten everybody else. We looked a good match for them but the truth was it was the conditions that won this game. Both sets of players tried hard but the ball was rarely in either 22 and the game became a mid-pitch mud bath. There was one slip that did prove costly for us and they were able to break though the midfield and score the one try and convert it for a 7 v 0 victory to seal the competition.
The girls played brilliantly on the day and should be very proud of themselves and especially Louisa who played on despite a broken finger. Third in the country at their first attempt at this format is no mean achievement and the future for next season looks very promising indeed.

This was a 7 team championship played on a round robin basis with the top two teams qualifying for the National finals. The tournament was played at Petersfield on a nice sunny day but not with the heat we had suffered in the 15 a side cup final.
The first match was against Portsmouth and the girls could not have started any better. Within a minute possession was won and fast hands and good running lines soon saw the first score. With strong tackling leading to turnovers in our favour the forwards were soon charging at the opposition and creating holes in the Portsmouth defence and with one try being scored from a rolling maul and a second from great ruck ball releasing the backs we had a good lead by half time of 19 v 0 with the help of a couple of conversions. In the second half more good work from the whole team combining forward and back play created two more tries one of which was converted and due to some resolute tackling our line was never in serious threat of being breached. The final score was 36 v 0 to Wimborne and showed a great reaction to having lost the cup final in our previous match some two weeks earlier
Second match was against Cramberleigh and the girls hit the ground running. Gaining possession early we used a combination of powerful forward pick and drives and some incisive running from the backs to score an early try and from then on the defence just shut down anything that the opposition could throw at us. A second try was created by some excellent backs work before half time and with both tries converted Wimborne led 14 v 0 at the break. The matches were 8 minutes each way so a fast start to the second half would ensure victory and it duly came due to our forward dominance and powerful running from the whole pack to add 2 second half tries in quick succession, one of which was successfully converted. With strong tackling throughout the match our defence was never brached and we ran out comfortable 26 v 0 winners.
Our third game was against Reading, who form most of the Berkshire county team. The first half was a really tight affair with both sets of defence being on top. We created chances but some poor handling or poor decision making stopped the attacks before any damage could be done and half time was reached scoreless. In the second half the forwards quickly gained possession and some good driving play took the ball deep into the Reading 22 and a couple of rolled mauls and the try was scored. This seemed to relax the girls and good combination play between backs and forwards saw 2 more tries added with one conversion to complete a good 17 v 0 victory over a very good and determined Reading side.
Next up were Havant. We had played them earlier in the season and beaten them in the 15 a side game so they were out for revenge. This was a very physical game, with lots of hard tackling rucking and mauling. It was again to be Wimborne's forwards though who won the physical contest scoring 2 well taken tries as a result of some excellent pick and go moves and rolling mauls and we turned around at half time with a 10 v 0 lead. Having made a fast start in the second half we scored a lovely try in which forwards and backs combined before the ball was passed down the line to score in the corner. Again the defence was awesome and victory was ours by the 15 v 0 scoreline.
Our penultimate match was against Chippenham who had only brought 9 players to a tens tournament! The match being 9 a side became more like sevens and Chippenham had been playing this all day so they were quick out of the blocks and put us under a lot of early pressure and only some great last gasp tackling prevented them from scoring. Like the Reading game we were making mistakes and forcing passes in the first half and were glad to reach half time with no score. In the second half our greater fitness told and some great handling by the backs brought us two tries both of which were converted for a hard fought victory.
The final game was the championship decider against Dorking who were also unbeaten. It was the forwards who got control of the ball early and enabled us to put on early pressure and some more great handling by the backs saw us score in the corner. From the kick off great tackling kept our line intact and as we gained control of the ball the forwards ground down the opposing pack before releasing the backs to score in the opposite corner and give us a 10 v 0 half time lead. Into the second half and again we forced turnover ball and with the forwards driving through the Dorking defence we were able to score for the third time. The game then became a bit disrupted with injuries and it was the joyous sound of the final whistle that gave us a victory 15 v 0 and the Championship title with it.
Great congratulation go to the girls who had scored 123 points in 6 matches without conceding a point - a true squad effort.

This was a 4 team competition with only the winner going through to the national cup final.
Played at Camberley the conditions were great for rugby.

Ivelbridge 0 - 7 Wimborne
First up for Wimborne was a match against Ivelbridge, a combined Ivel Barbarians and Bridgewater team. This was a real hard battle over 30 minutes. In the first half Emily had to go off with a bleeding nose but bravely came back later. Playing into the wind in the first half Wimborne attacked and attacked but could not get through a stubbon defence. Every time we built up the pressure a penalty was given to Ivelbridge to relieve it again. Half time was 0 v 0. Into the second half and the story was much the same, Wimborne on the attack but unable to break through. Back came Ivelbridge with a good attack but Wimborne's defence held firm. Into the final 5 minutes and we get the ball just inside our half and a great kick downfield by Bryony saw the ball stop just short of the tryline. Great chasing by the backs saw them drive the Ivelbridge player back over the line for a 5 meter scrum. First drive was repelled but the ball was recycled to Sam who drove across and down the field to the tryline but was held up but the ball was laid back and Hannah was there to drive over the line and score. The try was successfully converted by Bryony. Three minutes to go and it was Wimborne defence that was being tested but great tackling by backs and forwards kept the line intact until the joyous final whistle was blown and Wimborne had won 7 v 0.

Welwyn Garden City 5 - 7 Wimborne
Next up was Welwyn Garden City who had won their first match 17 v 0. Wimborne were first onto the attack with the backs making good ground but unable to get clear. Having gained the territory the pack set up to finish it off but great resilience was made by Welwyn. The pack the started their pick and drive moves and finally a chink was seen in the defence. Poppy with a great eye for a gap powered through but was held up just short of the line but inside center Bryony was in amoungst the forwards and was on hand to drive over the line to score. Despite a bit of a miskick the conversion into the wind sneaked inside the posts and just over the bar. Not Bryony's prettiest kick, but it would turn out to be the most important. Half time came without either side gaining any significant advantage and the turn around saw Wimborne leading 7 v 0. Although we had the advantage of the wind in the second half great pressure by Welwyn meant we were unable to take advantage with one kick being charged down and other set ups being pressured out. As time went on Welwyn's attack got more and more powerful and Wimborne were at full stretch to hold them out. A couple of injuries saw play go into injury time when Welwyn drove left then took play over to the right before bringing the ball back where eventually a gap was found for them to score under the posts. The conversion was held up while an injury was treated and unfortunately the pressure of the situation and being into the wind saw the conversion missed. No time to restart and Wimborne had won 7 v 5.

Letchworth 0 - 26 Wimborne
Final match was to be against Letchworth who had just beaten Ivelbridge 22 v 0 and had a chance of winning the competition if they could beat Wimborne. We had to win or draw because points difference would mean either Letchworth or Welwyn going through if we lost. With a steely determination Wimborne started showing great forward power and a series of pick and drives was taken up by Bryony who drove to the line but was held up. Hannah was once again in the right position and was able to dive over to score the first try, which was successfully converted by Bryony. Back came Letchworth on the attack but Wimborne's defence was good and when ball was turned over it was a driving run led by Bryony out of defence, taken up by the rest of the pack and finished off by Bryony to finish what she had started and then converted the try as well. Half time and Wimborne were 14 v 0 ahead. Letchworth would not lie down and were back on the attack until the backs started a move, the forwards drove the ball down field and slick handling by the backs put Amy S in space which she took to score in the corner despite the cover defence. Back came Letchworth again but the defence stood firm and when we got to attack again, Letchworth ware forced into conceding a penalty. A quick tap and Bryony was through the middle before anyone could react to score and convert her own try. Credit to Letchworth because back they came again and the rest of the game was spent with Wimborne defending but the girls would not be denied and at last the final, final whistle was blown and a place in the National Cup Final was ours against a team from Leeds.

Great credit must go to all the girls who played on the day and especially those who had to endure not playing as much as they wanted to. With great thanks to the parents and supporters we look forward to our day in the final on April 15th. The venue is yet to be decided but Twickenham sounds good to me!!