DORCHESTER along with Weymouth & Portland have put local rivalries aside to promote women’s rugby in the area.

Until last season, both clubs were running separate ladies’ sides.

With a limited number of players across both clubs they both struggled to field enough players for a full game of rugby.

With Dorchester playing in South West League Two last season, they were grateful to Weymouth & Portland for the loan of some players to fulfill their league fixtures, which was only possible as they only played friendly fixtures.

Both clubs realised that the logical step was to combine their resources and play as one team.

The league have accepted this and regular competitive ladies’ rugby will be available for the 2014-15 season.

Both clubs have agreed that home games will be played alternately at each club.

Club secretaries Chris Davis (Wey-mouth & Portland) and Andrew Smith (Dorchester) are both very enthusiastic about this initiative and agreed that providing a full schedule of ladies’ rugby was more important than the interests of individual clubs, and are hopeful that they can develop new ideas to promote the growth of rugby for all in the area.

A lot of the hard work in making this happen has been done by Janette Thompson and Matt Hansen. Thompson will be the team manager and Hansen will coach the side alongside Sammy Wilson.

With a squad of 26 players, the prospects look very encouraging, however, new or returning players are very welcome and should telephone Janette on 07501200562 or Matt on 07792003241.