England's Tatyana Heard leads session at Malton & Norton

Heard, who grew up in Kirkbymoorside and made her first forays into rugby with Malton, was the special guest on a day championing girls and women’s rugby.

The England centre’s session commenced from 10am, starting with a warm-up and moving into skill zones. The focus was on key Malton principles, including keeping the ball in motion, winning metres in defence, agility and attacking the gap.

After the training session, everyone retired to the clubhouse, where Heard held a meet and greet, including signing shirts, balls and even faces.

Over 130 women and girls turned out to Heard's session. (Image: Ann Taylor/Pitchside Photographer) Later that morning, Heard delivered the match ball for an Under 14 Yorkshire Cup tie between Wolds Warriors – comprising female players from Malton, Scarborough and Driffield – and Bramley Phoenix.

The Warriors struggled in the first half and rarely got the opportunity to attack. However, they defended well, with a 10-point deficit leaving them still with a chance at the break.

After regrouping, they came out invigorated in the second half, bringing themselves onto the board within minutes of the restart.

Two more tries followed as they completed the comeback to record a 17-10 victory, showing just how far they have come as a squad.

More excitement followed in the Ladies game that afternoon, featuring players from Malton, Driffield, Pocklington, Scarborough, Hornsea, Northallerton, Ossett and York.

Action from the session. (Image: Ann Taylor/Pitchside Photographer) The day was a roaring success, with one of the players from Hornsea hitting the nail on the head by saying: “This shows what women’s rugby is really all about - community, collaboration, and fierce determination. 

“It’s not just about winning on the field; it’s about supporting each other, growing the game, and lifting up the women’s rugby family wherever we go.” 

Natalie Featherstone, Malton & Norton Girls Section Team Manager, added: “People talk about rugby clubs being like a family and that’s exactly how it felt. 

“Malton and Norton RUFC is a place where women and girls are not only accepted but given the opportunities to thrive and become the best version of themselves.”