Half-term saw Pembroke Dock Quins girls rugby team travel to Llanidloes, mid Wales, for a WRU girls rugby festival. Sixteen players and families boarded an early bus for this their first rugby festival attendance since forming a year ago.

Teams from all over Wales were playing in the U16s and U14s age groups in a festival format of 10-player teams, 10 to 15-minute games, playing on a half pitch.

Quins U14s girls: Without enough players to field a team in this age group, the five Quins U14s players joined the Ospreys U14s squad, who played eight games in a similar format. All players tackled well, fitting in with their new team-mates and scoring a good number of tries.

Quins U16s girls: The Quins U16s faced Newport Gwent Dragons in their first game and were unlucky to draw 2-2 after taking a two-try lead. The second game saw them face Cardiff Blues, losing 4-1 to the eventual winners.

The Quins settled down in their third game against Carmarthen Quins, with all players upping their game, winning 2-1. Ospreys were next in line and the Quins took the game to their opponents, only to be beaten 2-0 from two breakaway tries.

After a short break, the girls were back in action against Ysgol Tryfan. The Quins were starting to be more competitive at the breakdown and, with some good ball handling and support play, earned a well-deserved 5-2 victory. Gowerton were next and good pressure and tackling saw a 9-1 win for the Quins.

Injuries, tiredness and the cold kicked in and after a long wait, the Quins played their final game against Nant Conwy, losing 2-0.

This was a great experience for the girls, playing against some of the top teams in Wales. They played really well against the regional sides, learning that protecting and turning the ball over at breakdown is a vital area of the game. They competed against some established and organised sides, and coaches and families saw every player improve their game. Well done to all the girls!

Are you interested in playing girls rugby?... fitness, teamwork, fun, the game we all love to watch... why not come and try it! Contact Hayley Hughes on 07854 495883 for training times. (girls aged 13 years to 17 years as at September 1, 2014 - for U15s and U18s teams).