Promotion boost for Chippenham rugby ladies (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Promotion boost for Chippenham rugby ladies

Chippenham Ladies are celebrating after learning that they have been promoted to South West Division One, following an excellent season in 2004/05.

The team, pictured right at a training session, expected to gain automatic promotion after just one loss all season, but the RFUW made the decision to promote Chippenham Ladies for various reasons.

Tracey Roberts, the team's vice-captain said: "This decision is fantastic news, not just for the team, but for the club as well, especially as the men's 1st XV has also gained promotion.

"The RFUW made the decision to promote us due to our commitment to rugby, both within the ladies and junior ladies teams.'

Following a major re-structure by the RFUW, the South West region saw the South West Division Three disappearing and being replaced with South West One, Two and Merit Table.

Roberts said: "Katy Storie, who is the RFUW South West Development Manager, contacted myself via the club and expressed her desire to promote Chippenham to South West One to encourage further development.

"We were all delighted at the RFUW's faith in us. We have some big challenges to overcome, playing against teams who have been used to playing at this level."

Chippenham Ladies enjoyed many successes last season. Roberts said: "Perhaps our best performance was against Bath at the Bath training ground.

"One individual to mention is Laetitia Delaney, who takes over from Sam Morgan as captain.

"Her outstanding performances last season have done her chances of representing her native France no harm at all."

Roberts remains confident and optimistic about the forthcoming season.

She said: "We would welcome all new members and are also keen to hear from anyone who has played rugby or who would like to play and find out what rugby is all about.

"Our current players range in height from 6ft 2in to just 5ft and we are all different shapes and sizes."

Anyone who would like to play and take part in a training session with the club is asked to contact Tracey Roberts on 07966 583314 or the rugby club on 01249 446997.