HISTORY was made for Keswick Rugby Club this weekend as their women’s team played the first ever game of contact rugby in the club’s 140 year history.

The Falcons flew out in style for their first competitive match beating Penrith Ladies 17-12 at the Penrith ground.

Molly Coldham, 22, who played number 6 on the day said: “What a game! I am so proud of the team, everyone played amazingly and showed off the hard work we have put into training.

“Great to see all the support travel at the last minute to cheer us on as well.”

A strong crowd turned out to support the ladies despite the weather and change of venue at the last minute.

Tries on the day were scored by, Lily Hodgson and Leanne Grave.

The ladies have been coached over the past year by Dean Robinson and Ben Pepper- who have helped the ladies in their transition from touch rugby to contact.

Coach Ben Pepper, said:”It’s been a great start and hopefully we have much more days like this to come.

“The girls played great and Dean and I are so proud of them.

“Up the Kes.”

The first and second tries were scored by Keswick’s Lily Hodgson who stormed the pitch to land the ball in the try zone .

She said: “It’s been such a brilliant match and a real moment for Keswick.

“I’m so pleased to have scored two try’s in Keswick’s first ever contact game.

“Hopefully there are many more days like this to come.”

Keswick RFC was founded in 1879, and the match will be the first in the club’s 140 year history that a women’s team will play contact rugby union at the club.

The Falcons women’s team first began their contact training in 2021 and hope the game this weekend will be the first of many yet to come.

The match against Penrith women’s team took place yesterday, Sunday at 2pm.