Lancaster Lionesses make history with double home victory

It was a landmark day for Lancaster Lionesses, as teams took the field at home at the same time, playing side-by-side.

Both the first and second XV took to home soil at Lancaster University, in a celebration of the continued growth of women’s rugby at the club.

The 1XV welcomed Harrogate Women’s Rugby, while the newly formed 2XV faced Ormskirk Ladies Rugby Club. Most importantly, it marked the first ever competitive outing for a Lancaster Lionesses 2XV - a milestone that underlines just how far the club has come over the last four years.

With both teams playing at home, next to each other, the atmosphere around the pitches was something special. It was a brilliant reflection of the numbers, commitment and enthusiasm that have driven the Lionesses forward and helped the club reach a point where fielding two senior women's teams is now a reality.

The 1XV put in a strong performance against Harrogate, eventually running out 34–5 winners.

The weather held for the majority of the match, although a gusty wind made conditions challenging and had an impact on the kicking game. Both sides had to adapt, with the wind making territorial kicking and decision-making particularly difficult at times.

Despite the conditions, the Lionesses showed good composure and worked hard to build pressure throughout the game. The scoreline reflected an impressive team performance and gave the 1XV another positive result on home turf.

Alongside them, history was being made as the Lancaster Lionesses 2XV played their first ever match.

Facing Ormskirk Ladies Rugby Club, the new side showed exactly why this milestone has been so eagerly anticipated, producing a determined performance to secure a 21–5 victory.

The creation of a second team provides even more opportunities for players to get involved, develop their rugby and represent the Lionesses, and the result made the occasion even more special.

Four years ago, the idea of Lancaster Lionesses putting out two senior sides was a very different proposition. The growth of the club since then has been driven by the players, coaches, volunteers, supporters and everyone who has continued to invest their time and energy into women's rugby at Lancaster.