FORMER Dorchester star Alice Lockwood has made her Allianz Premier 15 league debut for Bristol Bears.

Lockwood came off the bench for her first appearance in a close-fought West Country derby against Exeter Chiefs, with Bristol coming out on top 24-22.

Coming to Dorchester to play girls’ rugby, Lockwood was a Dorchester player for three seasons before being spotted to move into the professional game.

Dorchester’s coaching team described her as a dynamic player and very fast over 100 metres with a side step off either foot. They went on to say that she had a fantastic technical ability passing the ball and was a string tackler.

But above all one of her greatest assets to the team is her positive attitude, always ready to cheer her teammates and encourage them.

Lockwood was a Dorset & Wilts County player when at Dorchester and also a team captain for the girls, she also played for a short time at Yeovil before becoming a full-time player at Bristol.

Coaches from the girls’ team nominated her for the Bristol Bears academy and have been immensely proud to watch her progress and move into the Bears’ first-team squad.