Malton and Norton RUFC

On Sunday 15th of June former Malton and Norton junior Rachel Lund hung up her boots after representing Gloucester and Hartpury in the women’s premiership play off semifinal against Trailfinders. Despite her try and also one scored by another Malton product Tatyana Heard, Gloucester lost the game by 3 points and Rachel headed into Town with her teammates to celebrate her retirement from rugby.

Imagine her surprise when bleary eyed she answered her phone on Monday morning to receive an invite to play for the top invitational side known throughout the rugby world as the Baa-Baas for the second time in her long career. Her reply was an instant “yes please”.

Next Saturday she will line up at Twickenham and as is traditional will wear odd club socks. Her proud parents have indicated that as before she will wear a Malton and Norton sock alongside one from Gloucester.

Needless to say all at Malton and Norton RUFC wish her well for Saturday’s game and her future. Her parents have told me that as and when she visits them and if time permits she will drop in at The Gannock to offer encouragement to the youngsters at the club that gave her the start in what has been a long and successful rugby career.

That career started at Malton aged six and in 2013 whilst studying Sports Therapy at Worcester University she began playing for Worcester Ladies. Having already played for Yorkshire at junior level, England u20’s soon beckoned in 2014-15 and later that season earned the first of her two full England caps. In 2017 Rachel moved to Gloucester and Hartpury ladies and has been a regular fixture in a very successful club team for 9 seasons.

The above Baa-Baas game against Wales is the second one in a double header with the men kicking off at 14.00hrs, followed by the women’s game at 17.00hrs. Both games will be shown live on ITV xtra and I know many will watch live or set the record button .