Helston Women’s Rugby Team are league champions, with one game left to play this season, writes Laura Percy.
Topping the league means they are guaranteed promotion next season.
Established in 2019, Helston Vixens began with just five members, but they have seen this number rapidly increase year-on-year with now 40-plus members on the books.
This year was the team’s first playing in an official league, the National Challenge 3 South West (West), with only one other Cornish-based team.
The Vixens have had to travel to four away teams in Devon this season and it’s looking like it will be similar for next season.
Training twice a week, some of the team members get babysitters weekly to make training sessions, some travel across the county straight from work, while others bring their children along when they can. The dedication from everyone involved is unprecedented.
This April the team will go on their first tour, where they’ll be traveling to London to play Dorking Women’s Rugby Team and watching England Red Roses vs France at Twickenham Stadium.
Head coach Paul said: “This has been an amazing inaugural season for Helston RFC Women’s and has been about so much more than rugby. We have learnt so much and can’t wait to take it to the next level.
“Thank you everyone for your support throughout the season. One more game to go!”
Helston Vixens next and last game of the season is a home game, at Helston RFC, 1pm kick off, against Truro Women’s Rugby Team.
Truro are a team that Helston have been playing since the very beginning of their journey, from training sessions together to touch rugby matches and slowly introducing contact rugby. Now both teams will finish the season together.
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Laura Felton, team manager, said: “I joined this team when it only had five players and have been team manager since June 2021.
“Due to childcare and then an injury during the first match of the season, I haven’t played as much as I’d like.
“It’s been a pleasure watching this group of women become a family. They are there for each other no matter what and have seen each other through some tough times and fun times.
“I have no doubt that Helston Vixens will keep going for years to come!
“I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”
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