MINEHEAD Barbarians Girls Under 14s hosted Walcats, a combined team from Frome and Bradford on Avon RFCs - and put up a spirited fight before losing 50-0 .

The Walcats only had 14 players which meant that Minehead were able to have two rolling substitutes, giving everyone the opportunity to contribute throughout the game.

Minehead started positively, with some fantastic individual efforts. Eliza made a great run, showing excellent determination. Minehead also put in a strong scrum, putting pressure on Walcats. Jessica followed this with a powerful run, gaining some valuable metres. Evie then produced a fantastic tackle as Walcats threatened with a strong runner.

Despite Minehead’s efforts, Walcats managed to get the first try, taking the score to 0–5.

The Minehead girls continued to work hard, showing some great attacking play. Poppy Coles made a good kick and chase, followed by another try from Walcats. Emma then produced a fantastic kick and chase following a strong tackle from Darcy. Walcats managed to cross the line again, taking the score to 0–15.

The third quarter saw some tough rugby from both sides. Following the restart, Walcats made a strong run, taking the score to 0–22. Evie produced an excellent try-saving tackle, resulting in possession for Minehead but Walcats managed to score again, making it 0–27.

Minehead responded with a strong restart, but a powerful Walcats runner broke through the defensive line to make it 0–32. Walcats threatened again, but Evie made another strong tackle. Unfortunately, a good offload from Walcats found their winger, who crossed the line to make it 0–39.

Minehead continued to battle hard in the final quarter, showing real determination and commitment. After some strong defensive work from Minehead, Walcats managed to break through and score, making it 0–46.

A strong restart from Minehead saw Eliza brilliantly steal the ball back, giving her side possession. Minehead put together a great scrum, followed by some good phases of play and a strong run from Jess.

Following a strong scrum from Walcats and a run from their number 13, Evie made another excellent tackle. Walcats managed to keep the ball alive with a great offload to their winger, who ran in to score, taking the score to 0–50.

Poppy delivered a strong restart, followed by fantastic pressure from Nancy, forcing a knock-on which gave Minehead a scrum, before the final whistle blew, bringing the game to an end.

All the Minehead girls deserve a massive well done for their efforts in the match.

Although the scoreboard showed a 0–50 result, it really didn’t reflect the game or the effort, determination and commitment shown by every single Minehead player.

Not once did the Minehead girls let their heads drop. They continued to work hard, support one another and fight for every ball right until the final whistle. There were some fantastic tackles, strong runs, brilliant scrums and moments of excellent teamwork throughout the game.

Every single player contributed so much, and they should all be incredibly proud of themselves.

Players of the Match: Evie and Ivy- A massive congratulations to both girls. Very well deserved!

‘Keep your heads high, girls. The score doesn’t define the performance. The heart, determination and teamwork you showed are what matter. We are incredibly proud of you all!’