Hornets Women crowned Community Grade champions at RFL's Nines event

Rochdale Hornets Women were crowned Community Grade champions at the RFL's Nines event on Saturday afternoon.

It was the Hornets Women’s first-ever appearance at the Nines, and following the late withdrawal of another team, they opted to run two sides in the group stages.

Both made it through to the knockout phase. The Hornets 2 team won all three of their round-robin fixtures to finish top of Group A, while the Hornets 1 team won two of their three matches to finish as Group B runners-up. 

That meant an all-Hornets semi-final, which was won 24-4 in impressive fashion by the team that finished second in their group. 

The Community Grade final saw the Hornets take on a Bradford Bulls development side, and tries from Molly Udale-Williams and Sam Brazier proved enough to see the Hornets clinch an 8-4 victory and get their hands on the trophy. 

Reflecting on the day, women's head coach Ben Bird said: “The Nines, as we expected, was a really well run, well attended competition. 

“Our emphasis was on just enjoying it and we did, but we also put on a fantastic performance, in front of some prominent figures in the women's game. 

“Coming away with another trophy is the icing on the cake really, but it's fantastic for everyone to get that recognition. As coaches, me and Rob Rigby are always proud of the girls, but those finals are special moments and memories for everyone. 

“Hopefully we can take that confidence into this weekend’s game at Leigh.”