The progression of Masters Rugby League took yet another step forward this month, as Leigh Miners Ladies welcomed Folly Lane Ladies to Women's Masters.
Leigh Miners Masters Ladies were back on familiar soil for the first time after several journeys away from home, spreading the gospel of Masters Rugby League.
The Miners Ladies turned out in numbers in their new kit and were excellent hosts for the new Folly Lane Women's Masters team, who they aided brilliantly in their introduction to Masters.
The more experienced Miners Ladies players rotated position and teams to help out the Folly Lane Ladies at the start of their Masters journey.
Many of the Folly Lane players had not played for over a decade and were somewhat apprehensive as they stepped onto the pitch, but they'd quickly overcome their concerns and the change to the Masters modifications - they found their rhythm and played their part in the excellent Masters Rugby League on show.
Miners Ladies proved to be excellent hosts for the Folly Lane players, and exemplified everything that Masters Rugby League is about - inclusion, support, fun.
Their attention now turns to Saturday 30 July, when they welcome the new Heworth Women’s Masters team from York, in what is set to be another brilliant day of Masters action.
For more information on taking part in Women’s Masters Rugby League, please contact Kath Wilson: kath@mastersrugbyleague.org.uk.
Another successful introduction to Masters Rugby League was seen in the Men's game, as Cumbria's own Maryport became the latest club to join the ranks after their first-ever game.
Maryport only took the decision to form a Masters team a couple of months ago, when veteran Master Ronnie Spencer offered to organise a team. Since then, over twenty players have registered - many are former Maryport players but fathers of a number of junior Maryport players have also got involved!
The turnout for the first game was outstanding, with all players very keen to get out onto the pitch. Maryport's oldest player was returning Master, Ken Harkin, who at 78 years of age donned his green shorts once again and had no issues in showing the youngsters how it's done.
Maryport secretary and Masters debutant Ian Ivison was over the moon with how the day panned out: "Everyone really enjoyed themselves, it was great to see everyone rolling back the years and the game was fantastic!"
The experienced and well-travelled Arlecdon Rams were key in Maryport's introduction - they provided an enjoyable test for their first venture into Masters Rugby League!
