March 2023 – O’Neills NLD Team of the Month
The O’Neills NLD Team of the Month for March 2023 is Mansfield RFC U16 Girls.
The Team were nominated by their coach, Simon Jewkes, for their success in reaching the semi finals of the National Cup, having won the Midlands Area.
Mansfield were initially drawn in a pool with Paviors, Newark and Leicester Forest. Starting their campaign with a home game against Paviors followed by away games at Newark and Leicester Forest.
After topping the league with a record of 3 from 3 they drew another away fixture against Worcester in the last 16, and after success in that round, they were rewarded with another away fixture at Hitchin. By all accounts, this last fixture was close game which Mansfield won with a try in the last play of the day to be crowned Midlands Area Champions.
In the last 4 Mansfield were drawn at home (finally!) against Northern Champions Sandal Rugby Club, an aggressive and fast Yorkshire team.
On the day, support from the club was immense with enough supporters to warrant the fixture – the club was packed.! In a game that was very evenly matched, Sandal secured the win in the last 20 mins, although Mansfield fought until the final whistle.
Simon commented “Mansfield U16 girls would like to thank our club, fellow local clubs, parents and supporters for their support – we’ve put some miles in this season!”
Congratulation to all involved.
