PENDLE Panthers Girls Rugby League Club are forming a women's team for the 2002-2003 season starting in September.

The club has developed junior rugby over the last five years and can now field teams at under 10s, 11s, 13s, 14s, 15s and 16s.

The club has a core group of young players who are now eligible to play open age and are looking for other women aged 16 plus to join them.

No previous experience is required, just a desire to have a go at a high speed contact sport.

Rugby league helps you get fit and stay fit as it is essentially a continuous aerobic activity which will develop your skills and fitness in a team environment.

Basic skills and fitness coaching is available for newcomers. The club is associated with Nelson Cricket Club who provide the home venue.

Training takes place at Seedhill on Tuesday nights from 6.30pm to 8pm. For more information ring Steve Swann, the club's senior coach on 01254 875243 or 07764 894390, or Julie, Mick or Danni Simpson on 01282 616001.

The club's Under 14s squad travelled up to Whitehaven in Cumbria to take part in the first of a series of four seven a side tournaments.

Teams from Yorkshire, the north east and Cumbria competed to determine who would lead the series after round one and it was the Panthers that took the honours and go top of the performance league.

The local girls drew one match and won the other. The whole team performed well and only conceded three tries during the whole competition.

Hooker Nicola Simpson won the most improved player of the match award with other strong performances coming from skipper Poalina Mendola, Kerry Steele, Catherine Greenwood and Fay McCamon.

However, it was again the performance of Sam Ellerton that caught the eye with nine tries and numerous try stopping tackles from the full back.

The result was also an achievement as regular players Zoe Starkie, Anne-Louise Waterhouse and Anna Rowan and Gemma Jenkins were unavailable.

The Under 11s also played two matches as they gain experience in a competitive situation.