Women make a big impact

Jul 1 2009 by Alan Rennie, Stirling Observer Wednesday

WOMEN MAKE A BIG IMPACT

STIRLING County women's rugby team enjoyed a very exciting and successful first season.

Started in the summer of 2008 by Sarah Dixon and Kelly Johnstone, the squad has grown from strength to strength.

One of the highlights was winning the National Development League. It came down to a nail-biting final game of the season which saw Stirling County win 14-5 over main rivals Oban Lorne, with a last-minute try from Emily Johnson securing victory.

More recently the girls competed in the Edinburgh 7s tournament at Murrayfield.

Individually there have been many successes within the team this year.

The year started with winger Sarah Dixon and new club captain Natalya Macholla selected for the Scotland women's national squad. Natalya played against Sweden in the autumn tests and in the Six Nations against France and England.

The season ended with more accolades when Katie McNair and Natalya Macholla picked up awards for league player of the season and top try and points scorer respectively.

Lucky

A vigorous yet fun pre-season training programme has been prepared by coaches Tom Smail and Mick Boyle.

Natalya said: “We are lucky to have the support of Stirling County RFC, with access to great facilities.

“We have already benefited from some excellent coaching sessions provided by Millan Browne (Scotland women’s assistant coach and local development officer) and national coach Bob Easson."

Another visitor to Bridgehaugh recently was Nicola McGaughey, the Scotland women’s team manager.

“I played for Stirling County a number of years ago and it's great to see the team up and running again and being so successful,” she said.

“The dedication, hard work and commitment of the girls here is representative of what's happening across the country.”

Natalya Macholla added: “These are exciting times for women's rugby in Scotland and I hope that, at Stirling County, we can move with the times and get as many new and established players involved in the set up as possible."

Stirling County’s women’s team will be training on Mondays and Fridays from 7pm until 8.30 pm at Bridgehaugh. Anyone who wants to get involved can contact club president Kelly Johnstone (07530 533998) or captain Natalya Macholla (07738 119927).