With the U12s enjoying a huge Pitch Up & Play event at Crowborough, the U14s joining forces with Eastbourne, and the U16s continuing their league campaign alongside Seaford.

There were first tries, first league appearances, individual awards and, perhaps most importantly, plenty of evidence of the confidence and friendships being built through girls’ rugby.

U12s Shine at Crowborough Pitch Up & Play

What a day for the U12s. An impressive 64 players came together at Crowborough for the latest U12 Pitch Up & Play, creating a fantastic afternoon of rugby and giving the girls the opportunity to play alongside and against players from across the county.

The Hastings & Bexhill contingent were split across three teams, but wherever the Blue & White shirts appeared, the girls looked confident and increasingly assured in their rugby.
Those watching were particularly impressed by their understanding of the game. The girls took responsibility on the pitch, played with real purpose and, just as importantly, supported one another throughout — celebrating each other's breaks, runs and tries.

There were two particularly memorable milestones.
Ellie O'Conner scored her first ever try, having come agonisingly close earlier when she lost the ball at the line. Rather than letting that moment affect her, she went again and was rewarded with a try to remember.

There was also a dream debut for River. Having never played a rugby match before, she took to the field for the first time and marked the occasion by scoring her first ever try.

Beyond the tries, one of the most encouraging aspects of the day was seeing the friendships and confidence developing within the group. The girls were visibly enjoying each other's successes, encouraging their teammates and playing as a collective regardless of which team they had been placed in.

A superb advert for the U12 girls' game and a big thank you to Crowborough for hosting 64 young players and providing such a positive day of rugby.

U14s Join Forces with Eastbourne

The U14s were also at Crowborough, with Hastings & Bexhill and Eastbourne joining forces to take on a combined Crowborough, Uckfield and Haywards Heath side.
It provided another valuable opportunity for the girls to play together and continue developing as a combined group, building on the work being done in training at the start of the season.

Congratulations to Alice, who was voted Players' Player, and Jasmine, who received the Coaches' Player award.

Thank you once again to Crowborough for hosting.

U16s Continue League Campaign at Worthing

Meanwhile, the U16s travelled to Worthing as the Hastings & Bexhill and Seaford combination continued its league campaign. It was another important afternoon for a developing squad, following last weekend's opening fixture at Medway.

There were two more milestones to celebrate, with Jasmine and Hope both making their first league appearances. Congratulations also go to Rosie, who was named Players' Player for her performance.

With new players continuing to gain competitive experience and the combined squad getting more opportunities to play together, every fixture is helping the group develop for the season ahead.

A big thank you to Worthing for hosting.

Another Step Forward for H&B Girls' Rugby

From a first-ever match and try for River, to Ellie's first try, new league appearances at U16 and individual recognition across the older age groups, there was plenty to celebrate, but the photograph of 64 U12 players together at Crowborough perhaps tells the bigger story best.

Girls from different clubs, wearing different shirts, coming together for an afternoon of rugby — competing on the pitch while building friendships and confidence around it.

Another very positive Sunday for the Blue & White, and another indication of just how much girls' rugby has to look forward to.