The Exiles U19 Girls rugby squad travelled down to Abu Dhabi French for the first tournament of the new season. The Exiles decided to field 2 equally balanced teams (Red and Blue) in order to mix up the squad’s newer and more experienced players. The Red team were on first (against Abu Dhabi French) and in true Exiles Girls rugby tradition, decided to play the first game as if they were still asleep… resulting in a loss by one try!
From that point on, both teams kicked into gear and played some excellent rugby, demonstrating a wide range of skills to get to the point where it was looking like an Exiles Red vs Blue final. The final matches were eventually determined purely on points difference and we ended up with the Reds in the Cup final vs Abu Dhabi French and the Exiles Blues in the Plate final vs Dubai Warriors.
Considering the Exiles travelled with only one substitute per team on a very hot day, the Exiles eventually came out winners in both the Cup and Plate Finals, which is a fantastic testament to the playing ability and fitness levels of the whole squad. To cap off a great day, Lara Botha was voted Player of the Tournament across the entire day. Well done to all and great start to this season.
