Dear Gillian
I am writing to say how fantastic it was to have had the first Women’s Cumbria Cup on Friday night.
Setting up a women’s rugby team is not easy, and to have done that, and to have accomplished your first league season in under two years is a big achievement. But the difference Kendal’s presence has made to rugby in Cumbria is greater.
Being able to compete in a Cumbria Cup was massive to the Carlisle girls. Kendal’s commitment was evident in numbers, support and attitude of all involved. The game was played with great team spirit and determination, with Kendal sticking at it for the full 80 minutes, putting in some good tackles and scoring a great try. Carlisle were forced to defend hard, as you have hard runners in the middle of the park, and players with pace looking for spaces out wide. You obviously have some experienced players, but also a lot of talent which is great for the future.
Cumbria RFU president, Mel Hanley said yesterday “What a cracking game last night. Please convey my thanks to both clubs for putting on a really good final”.
I do hope you enjoyed the game, and will look forward to a competition that will hopefully expand further over future seasons.
Just now though, the other area Kendal are really adding strength to this season, is the County team. I have been down to training this afternoon, and watched players from across the county take part in an intense session as a squad. Hopefully everyone will benefit from the programme and again we can raise the profile of women’s rugby in Cumbria.

Thanks to all involved for your hard work, on an off the pitch, to take us from having one senior side to a position where we can talk about women’s rugby in Cumbria, as this is a real step forward.

With regards

Katie Harper
Women’s and girls rugby representative on the Cumbria RFU management committee
13th April 2014