Finchley Girls RFC were out in force at the 2023 Girls Festival of Rugby, exactly two years on from their first-ever match, at RAF Halton, Aylesbury.

Over 1400 girls from clubs across the country took part in this action-packed day, with Finchley teaming up with Hampstead to field 70 girls in five teams across four age groups from 11 to 18.

The Under-12s enjoyed teaming up with girls from Saracens and, having completed all their group matches, they went on to beat Kettering, Buckingham and Gosford All Blacks in a physical final to secure victory in the Plate competition.

Finchley Under-14s faced tough opposition in their pool, but showed great effort throughout to score tries, while the Under-16 B team consisted of many players new to the game and held their own in the group stage, growing stronger throughout.

The Under-18s progressed through their pool and knockout stages to face Gosford All Blacks - a tough, well established team - in the final, eventually coming away runners-up.

And the Under-16 A team remained unbeaten all day, running up dominant wins against prominent teams including Welwyn, Fullerians, Buckingham and going on to beat Old Albanians 10-5 in a tense and exciting final.

"To see how far we have come in the last two years - starting with just seven girls on a cold, wet Thursday evening - to where we are now, is just incredible!" said head coach Chris Grilli.

"It’s testament to the dedication of the players and parents, but also the coaches and admins who put in so much time and effort to offer this amazing team sport to this awesome bunch of girls.

"To say I was a little emotional after the final whistle is a bit of an understatement!”

For more information about joining contact Emily Grilli on 07890 554 505.