The new division takes an innovative approach to competitive rugby by awarding teams for recruitment and retention as well as the rugby played.
WRU Game Changer for women and girls participation in North Wales, Dave Roberts explains “With women’s club rugby in its infancy in North Wales we wanted to reward clubs for their efforts to grow the game as well as being competitive.
As well as the traditional bonus points, each team is awarded one bonus point for fielding fifteen players and two bonus points for having twenty players in their match day squad. It is part of our strategy to ensure that we have several strong and sustainable outlets for senior women in North Wales.”
The first week saw a whopping 25 tries scored and no team failed to cross the whitewash. It also saw two teams agree on a 10-a-side fixture over a 60 minute format with another fixture including one team lending players to the opposition.
Roberts continues, “The success of the division relies on the open-mindedness of the clubs. In one week we have seen flexibility and altering of formats to ensure games go ahead. A huge thank you must go to players, coaches and team managers who whilst wanting to win are putting the good of the game and match day experience first. Their willingness to adapt will, I’m sure lead to a flourishing division over the coming years.”
Results from NW Game On Division Round One:
Holyhead 17 v Pwllheli 53
Llangollen 7 v COBRA 39
Welshpool 19 v Shotton 10
Next round of fixtures scheduled for 17/09/2017 are:
Shotton Steel v Holyhead
COBRA v Pwllheli
Welshpool v Llangollen