The U14 Girls travelled to Cochrane Park in Newcastle to compete in the prestigious Dame Allan’s 7s Tournament, an event that attracts strong sides from private and boarding schools across the North East, Scotland, and Yorkshire.
Hexham (being a combined QE and HMS team) opened their campaign with a tight contest against Prince Henry’s. In a fast‑paced match, the girls edged a 7–6 victory, with tries from Annabelle (4), Gaby (2), and Martha.
Their second fixture brought a formidable challenge in Hill House School of Doncaster, a well‑drilled squad boasting three stand‑out players—including the eventual Player of the Tournament. Despite the pressure, Hexham showed tremendous resilience throughout, eventually falling 4–15. Tries came from Gaby (2) and Ella (2).
The final pool match against hosts Dame Allan’s proved to be one of the most evenly matched encounters of the day. In a thrilling end‑to‑end contest, the teams finished level at 10–10. Hexham’s tries were shared between Clara (4), Annabelle (2), Gaby (2), and Martha (2).
A second‑place finish in the pool placed Hexham into the Plate Final against King’s School, Pontefract. Battling fatigue and sore bodies, the girls found another gear, working tirelessly for a hard‑earned 8–7 victory. Try‑scorers were Gaby (4), Annabelle, Martha, and a superb ruck steal and sprint to the line from Clara.
In addition to the team’s success, both Annabelle and Gaby were nominated for Player of the Tournament by staff from other schools — a fantastic individual recognition reflecting their impact and consistency across all matches.
Winning the Plate in such a competitive field is an outstanding achievement and a testament to their teamwork, resilience, and skill.
A huge well done to all the girls: Annabelle, Gaby, Clara, Mia S, Beth, Poppy, Martha, Maddy, Ella, Rose, Mia R
Respect. Engage. Aspire.
