TWO Mowden Park under 16 girls rugby players represented the North East of England in the national tens tournament at Lichfield on Sunday.

Abby Blackburn and Rosie Mangle, both 15, regularly represent the North East in fixtures against other regional teams, but their inclusion in the 17-strong squad for the national tens was the highlight of their season.

Abby Blackburn said: "I wasn't certain that I'd be selected for Lichfield as there are so many good players in the North East squad. When my name was read out after training last week, I was really excited, but also nervous.

"The national tens is a big event with teams from all over the country - different from anything I've ever played in before."

Rosie Mangle added: "Playing in such a big competition was great. It was really exciting to play so many different teams from all over the country. It was hard, but we did well and learned a lot."

The North East team played seven matches against opponents from the West Midlands, the North West, South West, London and Home Counties, East Midlands, South East and Eastern Counties.

They drew three, lost one and won three matches to finish fourth overall, with second, third and fourth places decided on points differences.

Both Abby and Rosie scored tries, Abby in the game against London and the Home Counties and Rosie against the East Midlands.

Mowden Park's under 16 girls' team manager Tony Keeligan said: "This is a real accolade for Mowden Park and a boost for the girls' team as a whole. I'm really proud of Abby and Rosie, they are a credit to the club.

"They have both played rugby since about the age of five. Abby has always played at Mowden Park, but Rosie started her career at Darlington Rugby Club. She has only recently come to play for Mowden Park.

"The girls are great friends both on and off the pitch and, being all-round sports women, regularly compete against each other when playing other sports like hockey and netball for their schools. Abby is at Hummersknott School and Rosie is at Carmel School."