05/05/2026
What a great day at Nutter Lane.
The Women’s 1XV smashed this season, going undefeated and also showcasing our brilliant 13 Jess Hopkins who scored another hat trick to confirm her spot as top try scorer in England, male or female. We are extremely proud of you Jess, and it’s mad to think you’ve been playing rugby for less than two years!
We were also extremely touched to have the support of the OG Eton Manor Women who came to watch. They told us stories of how they used to have to wait for the men to finish playing, grab their shirts and wash them ready for the next day. They also taught us some filthy songs and berated us for not signing as a team - next season!! It made us realise yet again how far we have come and how grateful we are to be in a progressive club where volunteers put themselves out week in week out for us, where women are taken seriously and have the support of the whole membership.
So many thank yous - Kingsley Napley for your unwavering commitment to us as main sponsors - without you we would not have got here. Jeff Minns for stepping in with such care and kindness as Physio for our last few games, Tash for making a fuss of us and generally looking after us, Dave for the emergency prosecco, Derek for the match balls and the smiles, Mark Farrell DoR for his wisdom and advice, Danielle for her fundraising and social media support, and to all the women who started Manor Women 2.0 six years ago - Christelle, Nicky, Clare, Michelle, Caroline, Mandy, Simone, Helen, Sarah, Ellis and everyone else who stepped up to get us started.
A special thanks to:
Head Coach Craig Ratford - shandy drinking legend who has held us to such a high standard all season
Forwards Coach Sam John who has transformed our set pieces
Kim Roberts, John Phillipson and Paul Bowden who are such rocks as support
Ian Welch and Hollis Blake for their steady and determined leadership of the U18 girls and the Women’s 2XV
Team Managers Jackie Clune and Nicola Beak (aka Big Gaffer 1 and Big Gaffer 2) for their tenacity and good vibes
Physio’s Tommy and Jeff for sticking us together each week
It’s been a ride - Championship 2 here we come.
UTM🔵🔵
