TEIGNMOUTH RFC celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their women’s team on Saturday, November 29, writes Judi Hellier.

On that same day in 2015, a group of women, most of whom had never played rugby before, took to the pitch at Withycombe.

Maureen Powell, the club secretary at the time, approached Angelique and Colin Aldworth about setting up a Women’s team.

They were very successful in this and invested so much time and energy into laying the foundations that, 10 years on, the team continues.

Many of those who no longer play have taken up other roles within the club such as coaching, committee and volunteering and without their dedication, we wouldn’t be here today. The women celebrated with current players on the pitch against the University of Plymouth 2s.

It was the Uni side who struck first but Teignmouth quickly responded, scrum-half Rachel Price scoring and converting to make it seven points apiece.

Tries continued to fly in at both ends and at half-time, the score stood at 21-21, Caitlin Keyte and Jacqueline McLellen scoring for the Teigns with Price slotting both kicks.

The scoring continued after the break and in a fitting manner, Teignmouth came out on top.

Elly Meacham scored the fourth try for the hosts before Price won the game at Bitton Park, adding another seven points to her tally for a 33-28 victory.

The game was followed by a roast lunch, kindly sponsored by Russell Sowden, the former Chairman when the women’s team began. He wholeheartedly supported the women’s team and remains a great support to them, as well as sponsoring Rachel Price.

Moving forward, the club has seen a massive rise in female players thanks to the hard work of Paul Scott. Paul recently organised for TRFC to have their new changing room facilities opened by two Red Roses players from the recent World Cup win, Claudia Moloney-McDonald and Maddie Feaunti.

Here’s to another 10 years for the team!