WOMEN’S rugby in the area continues to go from strength to strength – and the district now has a Championship side in the form of Drybrook Ladies.

The Squirrels won their league, NC South West One, with a nail-biting 7-5 away win at Cullompton, to secure a place in the Women’s Championship South West Two next season.

Ellie Underwood scored after 12 minutes, and converted her own try, before Cullompton hit back before half-time to ensure a nervy second half.

After starting out in the leagues last season, it’s the team’s first trophy.

But they have to refocus quickly ahead of an RFU National Junior Cup final against Barnsley on Saturday.

Drybrook travel to Lichfield RFC for the final looking to secure an unprecedented double.

“It feels amazing,” said head coach James Smith.

“To be fair, we started out with just friendlies trying to get a team together and then straight into the league system we won promotion last year, and we’ve got back-to-back promotions.

“The ladies are there every single week and they just want it all. They’re so green and committed and training numbers rarely fall below 20.

“For me, the league was more important that the cup, but for the ladies the cup is huge.

“The game went right to the wire; it was seriously squeaky bum time.

“Ellie has been a star over the last two years and she made a try-stopping tackle right at the end too.”

“We are absolutely buzzing,” said coach Anthony Suter.

“I love cup competitions so we’re looking forward to this weekend.”