Liskeard School's Year 7 girls made it all the way to Twickenham as they reached the final of a major National youth rugby tournament.

The girls started playing rugby back in October, when closer links were established with Liskeard-Looe Rugby Club through the School's sport coordinator, Helen Tuxford, and the club's girls' coach, Andy Demaine, working together to strengthen community links in the town.

Coaches were invited into school to run taster sessions – and it soon became clear that there was a wealth of talent at the School, particularly in Year 7.

Liskeard School entered the HSBC Emerging Schools Competition to give the girls a first taste of competitive rugby but, at the time, had no idea of just where this venture would lead and what an exciting journey they had embarked upon.

The first round took place in March as the girls battled in hail and driving rain at Newquay and qualified convincingly for the regional stage of the tournament at Bristol, which they also won.

The final qualifying stage saw them travel to Staines Rugby Club for the chance to play as a curtain-raiser to the annual Army v. Navy game in the afternoon at the home of English Rugby.

The girls ventured up to London and stayed overnight in a hotel provided by The RFU and sponsors HSBC.

Sporting a new kit and equipment provided by Glynn Valley Chefwear of Liskeard, Liskeard remained unbeaten in the morning qualifiers.

Incredible

They overcame Whickham (North East and Yorkshire)

5-0 courtesy of a try from Amber Jeffery, De la Salle School (North West) 10-0 with two tries from Ellie Broughton, and Helenswood (London South) 10-0 both tries being scored by Emily Kneale.

This incredible run of results meant that they topped the pool and earned a place at Twickenham.

The team was chaperoned to Twickenham to play the final against Pool B winners – Presdales Girls School from Ware Herts. They were given the option to support and play as either the Army or Navy... so the girls chose the Navy because of the town's proximity to Plymouth, and one of the girl's dads is a serving officer. They were also allowed to keep the new kit after the match!

The pre-match talk in the changing room was given by former England World Cup-winner Jason Robinson, before Liskeard captain Ellie Broughton led her team out.

Presdales scored first but Athalie Redgrove quickly equalised for Liskeard.

A very quick left wing found a gap for Presdales and scored to make the scores 10-5, before Redgrove had a try unfortunately disallowed right at the end after her foot was deemed to be put in touch.

The girls performed magnificently and did the School and the county proud.

They were very disappointed, but were gracious in defeat and a credit to school.

Jason Robinson presented the runners-up shield to the team – and skipper Ellie had to go up the steps to the Royal Box at the end of the afternoon to receive it again from the president of the RFU, Brian Williams.

What an amazing journey!