In a memorable day for Devon Girls’ Rugby, both the U16s PDG squads and U18s team travelled to Bridgwater & Albion RFC, Somerset, for their respective county fixtures. They were fortunate to play in rare autumn sunshine and delivered impressive performances throughout the day.
The action kicked off with the U16s PDG (Player Development Group, formerly known as the DPP), who faced Somerset in two simultaneous games. The development squads from each county were split into two squads of 27 players. For Devon, these were “Team Green” and “Team White.” Each team played a match, showcasing Devon’s growing depth of talent
From the outset, the U16s demonstrated excellent teamwork, strong tackling, and fluid attacking play. Their positive approach on both sides of the ball was a testament to the effort they’ve put in at training and at their own clubs. The Devon U16s left the field with an impressive overall performance, winning 3 out of the 4 halves of 35 minutes.
Later in the day, the U18s took centre stage in an early evening clash. Not to be upstaged by their younger counterparts, the Devon U18s outclassed their Somerset opposition, securing a commanding 5-44 victory. The team’s clinical finishing and solid defensive structure ensured they remained in control from start to finish. Several standout individual performances highlighted the depth of talent within the squad, and the girls’ cohesion as a team was evident in their fluid, expansive play. Tries came from Lily Taylor, Lily Ricter, Ellie Campbell (2), Evelyn Prescott, Poppy Harrison, Amelia Benfield, and Savannah Vertessy, with conversions added by Aoife Underhill and Amelia Benfield.
Both the U16s and U18s can be incredibly proud of their achievements. The U18s, especially, having only trained together for the first time just 48 hours before, looked slick and confident throughout the game. The coaches from both age groups were certainly brimming with pride and are now looking forward to building on this positive momentum.
With both teams returning to Devon with comprehensive victories, it was a fantastic day for the region’s girls’ rugby program. The strong performances from both age groups set a high standard for the rest of the season, and all eyes will be on the teams as they continue to develop and build on this success.
Coaches: Sian Brooks, Elvet Williams, Jacob Hurford, Andrew Drayton, Dan Spampanato, Saffy Ibrahim, Gareth Williams & Glenn Channing.
U18s COUNTY PLAYERS
| STARTING Poppy Harrison – Crediton RFC Freya – Teignmouth RFC Alice Norris – Cullompton RFC Maddison Spampanato – Exeter College Evelyn Prescott – Cullompton RFC Jessica Main – Cullompton RFC Bea Hooper – Exmouth RFC Olivia Green – Devonport Services RFC Freya Vitali-Baker – Devonport Services Amelia Benfield – Kingsbridge RFC Lily Richter – Bideford RFC Ellie Campbell – Ivybridge RFC Mia Hammond – Cullompton RFC\ Lily Taylor – Devonport Services RFC Alissia Stephens – Newton Abbot RFC | FINISHERS Connie Eastwood – Kingsbridge RFC Amy Mears – Devonport Services Matilda Hindley – Newton Abbot RFC Maddison Cliff – Exmouth RFC Emma Britton – Cullompton RFC Savannah Vertessy – Ivybridge RFC Aoife Underhill – Exeter Saracens RFC Indie May Evans – Devonport Services Grace Scott – Teignmouth RFC TRAVELLING RESERVES Annabelle Robertson – Exmouth RFC Isabel Gibbs – Exeter Saracens RFC Matilda Bennett – Sidmouth RFC Rachel Curtis – Crediton RFC |
U16s PDG PLAYERS
| Team White | Team Green |
| Daisy Goolden – Devonport | Grace Connor-Fortune – Saracens |
| Lexie Ball – Kingsbridge | Maisy Killian – Saracens |
| Lucie Sams – Kingsbridge | Taylor Murphy – Devonport |
| Merryn Brown – Devonport | Charlotte Nuttall – Newton Abbot |
| Abigail Stickley – Ivybridge | Aimee Guppy – Newton Abbot |
| Bella Price – Saracens | Kitty Tucker – Kingsbridge |
| Sophia Holland – Topsham | Emily Fenner – Exmouth |
| Amelia Winzer – Kingsbridge | Megan MacDonald – Crediton |
| Bella Garner – Saracens | Ella Moss – Ivybridge |
| Beth Hall – Devonport | Marley Warren – Newton Abbot |
| Asena Bakani – Devonport | Florence Hockaday – Topsham |
| Anna Walker-Steel – Exmouth | Dani Walker – Crediton |
| Olivia Burton – Devonport | Evie Rowntree – Saracens |
| Lexi Armstrong – Exmouth | Chloe Bell – Ivybridge |
| Zara Butt – Newton Abbot | Alice Fleming – Ivybridge |
| Rebekka Herselman – Kingsbridge | Kacey Bryant – Newton Abbot |
| Amelia Feasby – Newton Abbot | Molly Merrett-Tongue – Saracens |
| Evie Roberts – Kingsbridge | Emily Palmer – Bideford |
| Ava Butler – Kingsbridge | Evie Fairley-Hobbs – Saracens |
| Matilda Thompson – Ivybridge | Chloe Bailey – Exmouth |
| Robyn Morris – Topsham | Lauren Cann – Okehampton |
| Darcy Tee – Okehampton | Bo Widdicombe – Devonport |
| Evie Stentiford – Newton Abbot | Georgia Hesford – Newton Abbot |
| Sarah Pezzani – Saracens | Thea Northcott – Bideford |
| Izzy Davies – Exmouth | Erin MacDonald – Crediton |
| Jessica Massey – Saracens | Laila Ghanmi – Exmouth |
| Alice Oldman – Ivybridge | Scarlett Davey – Saracens |
Next games:
U18s County – 12th January Vs Cornwall @ Okehampton RFC 2pm
U16s PDG – 23rd February Vx Dorset & Wiltshire @ Home TBC
