TEAMS from across the region travelled to Northwich on Sunday to take part in a tournament that demonstrated the increasing popularity of rugby among girls.

More than a dozen teams, made up of in excess of 100 players, gathered at Winnington Park’s Burrows Hill home.

“Last time we staged an event like this five teams turned up,” said Claire Antcliffe, women’s rugby development officer for governing body the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

“A year on, and the growth across the north has been huge.

“That is testimony to the hard work done by clubs, coaches and volunteers, and hopefully we’ll see even more take part when we do it again.”

A total of 15 sides – all of them under 13s – from five counties played 31 matches throughout the afternoon.

Afterwards the home team received a fair-play prize as a reward for their behaviour on the pitch, presented jointly by the RFU and the Referees’ Association.

“We had a fantastic afternoon,” said Paula Bradbury, director of girls and ladies’ rugby at Winnington Park.

“We’ve got real pleasure from seeing so many happy, smiling girls here – it’s been great to give them an opportunity to play against different opponents and meet new people.”

During an interval, Winnington Park’s newly-formed under 15s played an exhibition match against their Leigh counterparts, which the visitors won by a slender seven-point margin.

Antcliffe also brought with her the silver trophy that will be awarded to the winners of the under 20s World Cup, which will be hosted in England later this year.

“From a chairman’s point of view, I couldn’t be happier,” said Park’s Terry Jones.

“All I want is for these girls to have the same experiences I had playing this great game, and hopefully forming friendships that last a lifetime.

“Paula and her team of volunteers have worked hard the past couple of months to make the event the success it turned out to be.”