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Mixed fortunes for Eagles in weekend fixtures

Mixed fortunes for Eagles in weekend fixtures

Ray Maule2 Aug 2021 - 16:55
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West Leeds/Oulton Combined U11s unbeaten at Featherstone Rugby Festival - U14s show improvement - Open Age Women's game abandoned due to player injury

The month of July ended with mixed fortunes for the Eagles Women and girls teams last weekend (Sat/Sun 31 July/1 August). The Under 11s and 14s teams were entered into the Featherstone Rugby Festival at the Mill Pond Stadium, the home of the Featherstone Lions on the Saturday, and with the weather forecast as wet and windy the night before, it didn't look encouraging for the festival as a whole. However, the weathermen were wrong again, with conditions on the day being ideal for rugby league, and delighted organisers enjoying a successful rugby league festival, which also included fun and entertainment for hundreds of people.

It was a long day for many, with over five hours of rugby league being played by girls of all ages. The girls came up against some very good opposition, but the young eagles contributed with some exciting rugby, and the experience gained can only benefit the girls as the teams continue to build for the future. And again feedback from opposing coach's was encouraging.

The Under 11s side combined well with Oulton Raidettes, playing together for the second time in as many weeks; they only just missed out on a final appearance due to tries scored at the Oulton festival the previous week, but ended the month by winning their age section with an unbeaten run at the Featherstone festival. The under 11s also saw the debut appearance of Frankie Cunningham, who had a good game and can only improve as she plays more games. Well Done Frankie!

The under 14s combined with Featherstone Lionesses, and didn't fare as well, but encouraging performances against some of the best teams in their age group didn't discourage them and they remained positive and in good spirits throughout despite the disappoint on the day. The 14s also saw a new player make her Eagles debut. Kaitlin Murphy gave a solid and encouraging display and is one to keep an eye on as the girls continue to build in what is predicated to be a successful future.

The Open Age Ladies travelled to Leigh Miners on the Sunday, They had a sluggish start to their game and were 10-0 down when injury to Tullyanne Flint forced the abandonment of the game. It looked a serious injury and as with all injuries, cause for concern, thankfully, after hospital treatment she was discharged with a badly bruised back, all best wishes for a quick recovery and return to action!

All age groups at West Leeds Eagles welcome new players and has we have seen this last weekend, if they are returning, or are complete novices to the game, they quickly learn and give some exciting performances with that strange shaped ball! All are welcome, please contact the club for details.

Next Sunday the Ladies Open Age will host Illingworth and the 14s, who are now joining up with Featherstone, hope to play Queensbury, games are yet to be confirmed so keep an eye on the clubs bulletin boards.

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