A FLEDGLING ladies rugby team take a step into the unknown this weekend when they experience competitive action for the first time.

Darlington Ladies travel to Durham City on Sunday to play in a triangular match with Kirkby Lonsdale and the host club. The kick off is at 2.30.

Darlington will pool resources with the other teams because they don't yet have enough players to make up a full side.

Of the ten players taking part in the match, only four have any previous experience of the sport, although one is an England international. Two more have played at university level.

The team has been founded by coaches Helen Large and Jerry Byerley, who said: "We have six players who had never played the game at all before September. They are total novices and we want to make it a team who would support that idea."

So far, the team has players aged from 16 to 31 from a variety of backgrounds.

They are based at Blackwell Meadows on Grange Road, the home of Darlington Rugby Club, where training sessions are held on Sundays from 4-5pm and Tuesdays from 6.30-8pm.

Anyone interested in joining the team can find out more by contacting Mr Byerley on 01325 503186 or 487589.

The team is also looking for sponsors and any businesses able to help can contact commercial manager Denise Adams on 01325 464936.