Cliffe Crusaders’ newly-formed women’s team played their first-ever game - against the club’s men’s side.

A touch rugby match ended in a narrow 13-11 win for the men, whose own team was only formed seven seasons ago.

Club chairperson Lisa Well said: “Lots of supporters turned up…it was amazing.”

The idea of a new team only came about a few months ago, as Ms Wells explained, saying: “One of the player’s wives, Jessey Cogger, asked around some of the other players’ wives and partners if they fancied forming a kind of ladies’ side...purely for exercise!

“Well, it's been unbelievable, the group has got bigger and bigger and people not just those linked to club but from the village and surrounding areas have joined and now we have a proper team.

“These girls have never played rugby and are there training - with the help from an outside coach occasionally and some.of the guys - every Thursday night, come rain or shine!”