SEVEN girls from Royal Wootton Bassett Ravens achieved county call-ups for Dorset & Wiltshire under 15s last weekend.

Last Sunday saw the Dorset & Wilts U15 Girl’s rugby team play their first competitive match of the season against Berkshire at Reading RFC.

The Dorset & Wilts squad was made up of players from 10 different clubs across both counties including the seven from Bassett Ravens who received their county shirts before the game.

The Ravens, only formed in the season before the Covid pandemic hit, were delighted to see such a high representation in the county squad.

Those at the club felt the achievement was testament to the determination the girls have put in to improve over the past couple of years as well as the quality coaching they have received and the support the girls are given.

Rain ahead of kick-off not only softened the playing surface but as it continued through much of the match it made handling very tricky.

Dorset & Wilts seemed to cope better with the conditions though, dominating in the set piece and showing superior handling skills compared to their opponents.

The game was due to be played over three 25 minute periods, and Dorset & Wilts were resounding winners of the first period, winning 19 – 0.

They also won the second period 7-0 with Ravens hooker Ellie Barton scoring a try in each of the two periods.

Unfortunately, a nasty injury to a Berkshire player saw the third period end early without any further scores being added. As a result, Dorset & Wilts won the contest 26-0.

The girls are due to play Buckinghamshire at Royal Wootton Bassett (1pm kick-off) this weekend prior to the Dorset &Wilts Senior Women’s team taking on Middlesex at 3pm.