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National league spot for warrior women

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By Rod Edgar
Sport
National league spot for warrior women

A WOMEN’S rugby team in Annan have a new focus after being accepted into a national league.

The Warriors were formed in June last year, but have now become members of BT Womens National League 2.
Coach Ian Hamilton said: “We formed a year ago, just as a hobby and a bit of keep fit for the women, and we got to learn of the National Development League (NDL).”
Exploring the development league, Annan hosted the third event, and Ian said: “The suggestion was made that we were at a level to survive in National League 2, so we were invited to apply for a position and did.”
Annan, Howe of Fife and Greenock Wanderers are the three new members, and are being hailed as proof that the women’s and girl’s game in Scotland is on the rise.
Scottish Rugby development manager for women’s and girls’ rugby Sarah Quick said: “To have three new teams coming into the competitive environment makes for an exciting season ahead.
“The game is growing, and this is a great example and indication of the mounting interest in women’s rugby both by the clubs and from people in general.”
There are now 22 clubs competing in the Women’s BT Leagues across the country in three leagues.
Boasting 22 registered players, Annan’s women’s team will play on Sundays so that they do not clash with senior men’s games.
And this Sunday, at 10 am at Violentbank, Annan Warriors will be holding a ‘Bring a Friend to Training Day’, as they seek to increase numbers further.
Coaches also run an u15 girls team and an u18 team, both named Hornets, and Ian said: “The day is for all the female teams.”
Annan Warriors kick-off their league challenge with a game away to fellow new league members Greenock Wanderers on September 6.
Ian said: “It now means that we’ve got to focus more on winning games than we have in just taking part.
“We’ve now got something to play for.”
He added: “This is the start of playing proper competitive rugby.”