Masters Rugby League celebrated the first ever all women’s festival in Blackpool on Saturday (27 April) followed by a regional event in Cumbria which was attended by over 220 players.
Blackpool Belles hosted the historic event which saw 75 women from teams including Folly Lane, Golborne Parkside, Heysham Atoms, Leigh Miners and Leyland Warriors come together for a day of Masters RL.
There was a special guest appearance from Wigan Warriors own Anna Davies who brought along three of Rugby Leagues prized possessions – the Super League, League Leaders and World Club Challenge trophies.
The 27-year-old also presented the days awards which included Masters Moment going to Angela Green as the oldest woman to play and Master of the Day went to Liza Kennedy for running a great line and an 80-metre dash to the try line, scoring her first try for Blackpool Belles.
In Cumbria, there was a total of 225 players across both men’s and women’s teams taking part in the regional Masters Festival with Luke Naylor, Paul Field, Craig Hogan Farnworth and Shaun McPoland on hand to officiate. Masters Moment went to John Wilson of Arlecdon, Master of the Day was Blackpool’s Paul Carmody and Catterick were named Team of the Day.
Fidelma Holland of Blackpool Belles says:
“We had a wonderful event on Saturday, the format for the day worked well with quick fire games and changeovers ensuring that every team had the opportunity to play each other. In true Master’s spirit, players changed shirts and helped out other sides when needed, proving how much the community spirit and the social side of the offer works.
“Saturday was also an opportunity for Judith Powell of Blackpool Belles to share her personal journey with Ovarian Cancer, raising awareness of symptoms and treatment which was followed by some fundraising activity. A perfect day ended with a substantial amount of money raised for the charity - £950 in total.”
Women’s Masters is continuing to grow with a new team currently being set up in Sheffield with training set to place every Tuesday at Parson Cross Park between 7-8pm anyone interested should contact bradley.kelk@rfl.co.uk.
Masters Rugby League is strictly a social version of the sport for players aged 35+ for Men and 30+ for Women. The aim is for enjoyment, fitness benefits and social aspects whilst players engage in a version of Rugby League modified for ‘the older player. Anyone interested should contact their local clubs which can be found here.
