SEVEN Darlington Mowden Park players have won places in the North East of England under-16 regional girls' squad.

All have played for Durham county and, as a result, were invited to regional trials at Bullocksteads, Newcastle. The trials were gruelling and really put them through their paces, but the Mowden girls played their hearts out to earn selection.

There are 26 players in the North East squad and competition for the 12 places in the starting line-up for matches will be intense, but the Mowden players are in with an excellent chance.

The Mowden players selected are Laura Collins, Ally Cull, Sarah Ferguson, Amber Hyde, Sian Taylor, Siobhan Vardy and Judy Williams.

Laura Collins, Amber Hyde and Ally Cull are seasoned North East players, having represented the region last year, but the others are all new to the squad.

Indeed, Judy Williams and Sian Taylor have done remarkably well to be chosen to play at this level as they are both aged just 12 and in their first season of under-16 girls' rugby. They are the two youngest squad members and their future in women's rugby looks very bright.

The North East squad trains every week at Bullocksteads and has a series of fixtures throughout the country culminating in the regional tens at Lichfield in May.

The England coaches watch the games at Lichfield and choose players to attend the England Junior Performance Camp at Loughborough University in the summer.

Tynedale Panthers 25

Mowden Park U16 Girls 12

The Panthers travelled south in the second phase of the North East League with a formidable reputation for girls' rugby.

It was a match eagerly awaited by coaches, players and supporters, but, due to other commitments and injuries, a number of Mowden's players were unavailable.

Without two of their most experienced players - Hannah Ramsey and Laura McEvoy - and with Judy Williams, the first choice scrum half, away on a school skiing trip, Mowden were unable to field their strongest team and had no substitutes.

Tynedale took an early lead with a skilful try down the wing which surprised the Park pack. For a while it seemed that the Mowden girls had lost their confidence and concentration, but they came back with a try from Sarah Ferguson to even up the points.

However, Tynedale had the edge and two of their North East representative players went on to score two more tries for a 15-5 lead at half-time.

The second half opened with Mowden exuding confidence and skill, which was rewarded when Ceri Breakingbury made a swift break to touch down near the posts. The try was converted by Laura Collins to put Mowden back in contention at 15-12.

Although still trailing marginally, the Mowden girls had picked up their game and appeared to now have the edge on Tynedale. Fast, skilful, entertaining and highly-competitive rugby followed, but Tynedale went on to steal two further tries. The final score of 25-12 belies the tightness of the game and the strength of the Mowden girls.