Southport Womens Rugby team was originally formed in the 1990s as a junior side. As the team grew older they moved through to the senior ranks, with an excellent team spirit both on and off the pitch. Unfortunately, with several players leaving for University and College at the same time, the team was disbanded.

Twenty years on and how things have changed. The resurrected now Ladies team is thriving. Top of the league and going from strength, and with the club developing girls teams working with Greenbank High School and others.

A trip down memory lane....

SOUTHPORT WOMENS RUGBY

Sept 1996 - "These are promising times for the Southport RUFCs Womens Section" - new sponsorship deals secured with CYBASE Internet, Southport Hire Centre, and the Prince of Wales; youth section back in training; u16s training at Waterloo RUFC under England womens captain Gill Burns for match v Wasps September 8th; Coaches Cheryl Bennett and George Lesbirel (tel 579837)

22nd Sept 1996 - SRUFC Womens team win first competitive game since being formed in 1995, 58-10 at Avonmouth. Captain Ruth Thomas. Other players include Jane Canavan, Charlotte Joyce, Claire Rive, Sonia Warscher

November 1997 - SRUFC Womens team beat Birkenhead Park 29-10 at home. players include Ruth Thomas, Clare Woods, Gemma Lavin, Liz Farrall, Ruth Beaton, Caroline Riley, Beverley Newton, Debbie Mayer. Ruth Thomas in NW Regional team.

February 1999 - SRUFC Womens team have only 12 players against Blackburn and lost 14-0. Team included Ruth Beaton, Michella Jennings and Ruth Thomas

February 19th 1999 - Team photo of players & coaches published in the Visiter. Includes: George Lesbirrel, Mike Critchley, Aimie North, Siobhan Kinealy, Alison Codd, Cath Bearton, Jenny Roberts, Sally Potts, Anne Ford-Johnson, Jo Leese, Gemma Lavin, Colin Kershaw, Carly Gillett, Clare Woods, Lizzie O'Toole, Ruth Thomas, Sonia Warscher, Rebecca McQuillan, Sarah Freeman, Michelle Jennings.