Bishop Auckland RUFC Ladies toppled Sheffield RC Women at West Mills last weekend to seal the Championship North Division 2 Title in front of over 500 supporters.

With second-placed Sheffield providing their most physical test of the season, Bishops were in no doubt that they needed to perform in order to seal the win and title inside the 80 minutes. First half scores from Rachelle Cooley (try, conversion and penalty) set the home side on their way – and despite Sheffield pulling back in the second half with a penalty and a try, Bishop’s Kate Hodgson-Raper finished the scoring off with a late try. Bishop Auckland came out on top to secure the league and with it, promotion to Championship One North – the highest possible status for a Women’s amateur Rugby team, in only their eighth year of existence.

The win, is testament to the focus of the side, who began the season as favourites to be relegated – and the drive of Bishop Auckland Rugby Club to succeed in the Women’s game.

Throughout the season, the team scored 104 tries in just 14 games, losing only one game. Top scorer for the season was centre Rachelle Cooley with 158 points coming from 8 tries, 58 conversions and 4 penalties. High scoring full back Becca Stanger was top try scorer with 17 across the season.

Championship Division Two has been tough – no doubt about it. Injuries to key players, and away games taking the team across the Pennines to Sale, Eccles, Didsbury, Manchester and Birkenhead have all taken their toll, but the team have remained focussed throughout.

A major rethink at Christmas while sitting second in the league was probably the turning point in the season with the players and coaches agreeing to a complete focus on winning the league, and the increase in physicality and training it took to get them there.

Getting the job done has been the theme for the season for this team and its coaching and management committed to doing whatever it needed to take this team to its full potential. The team has developed round a core of players there from day one, and grown to attract players with Premiership and international experience. Amongst the seasoned veterans, developing players have found there way on the team and are now crucial to its success. The fast-track to National league Rugby coming through a fantastic mixture of belief, trust and hard work from both players and coaches.

Across the season there have been many highs, including wins away at Sale , huge crowds at home and away games – but few can dispute the importance of showcasing Bishop Auckland’s success last weekend at such an outstanding event. Sheffield and Bishop Auckland both played a major role in showcasing women’s amateur Rugby at its’ very best last weekend. Cheered on by a crowd in awe of the standard provided by the league’s two best teams – it was not only a highlight for a season, but a very proud day for women’s sport in the North of England and most certainly in our town.

Bishop Auckland will now move forward quickly. Planning, recruiting and fundraising for the challenge of Championship One has already begun. Once the bruises of the Sheffield battle subside, the hard work will start again. Back to the bottom of the hill, at West Mills.