Marr and Dalkeith to battle for Women’s National Bowl

Credit: Susan Shanks

In what will be the biggest stage of their playing careers for some, the week leading up to the final has been one of reflection for both sides.

Both Dalkeith RFC and Marr RFC women’s sides are reasonably newly established and have made huge strides to be competing for the National Bowl this year.

As Marr captain Siobhan Reid put it: “irrespective of the result, we are incredibly proud to be the first ladies team representing Marr RFC and we feel privileged to have recognition of our achievement, as National Bowl finalists, on the same day Scotland play England in the Women’s Six Nations.”

An added incentive, if there needed to be one, is that the winning team will be presented with their trophy during the half time break of the W6N match in front of a sold out crowd of 7774 at the Hive Stadium.

Dalkeith head coach Lynsay Halliday said her team has worked hard this year and has become a tight knit group working towards a common goal.

“What a year we’ve had. Dalkeith Ladies only came into existence one year ago and since then we’ve all worked really hard to build a strong team and an even stronger group of good friends.

“From the experienced players returning to rugby to the absolute beginners we have had a blast this year and a Bowl win would be the icing on the cake and such a massive achievement for us,” she said.

Marr RFC head coach Andy Reid said his team jumped at the opportunity to enter the National Bowl, but had no expectations ahead of the match.

“Every game they have gotten better and better. Their commitment to training, matches and learning the game has been incredible.

“Obviously, it would be great to win the National Bowl but no matter the result, the success of the season is measured by the fact we’re here and the squad goes from strength to strength every week. We are so proud of the ladies at Marr and can’t wait to see what the future holds for them,” he said.

Fixture details

Women’s National Bowl final
Saturday 13 April
Marr RFC v Dalkeith RFC
Murrayfield back pitches, 11.15AM KO

Marr on the charge earlier this season. Credit: Kevin Quinn.

Dalkeith in possession. Credit: Susan Shanks.

SQUADS

Dalkeith RFC
15. Leigh Bell
14. Eleanor Hewitt
13. Rachael McIntosh
12. Stacey Donaldson
11. Abbie Campbell
10. Lynsay Halliday
9. Amy MacNamara

1. Ali Nangle
2. Shirley Welsh
3. Yvonne McCathie (Captain)
4. Eilidh Duff
5. Julie Lyons
6. Aby Wallace
7. Melissa Cameron
8. Ciara Ni Choinneain

REPLACEMENTS
16. Heather Crabbe
17. Kira Turner
18. Debbie Dunbar
19. Rebecca Pennycook
20. Pamela McIntosh
21. Ashleigh Reid
22. Claire Hope

Marr RFC
15. Laura Blyth
14. Georgia Brown
13. Hope Renucci
12. Ellie Arnott
11. Sophie Steel
10. Siobhan Reid (Captain)
9. Jennifer Morrison

1. Gill Duncan
2. Gillian Bell
3. Emma Gilgallon
4. Iona Smith
5. Paula Marshall
18. Kayleigh Howat
7. Jill Tuton
8. Natalie Rorison

REPLACEMENTS
16. Rachel Blyth
17. Reetta Luumi
6. Caitlin McFadden
19. Alana McCulloch
20. Rachel Cameron
21. Nicky Marden
22. Megan Pratt