IT has been a proud season for Halton Farnworth Rangers under 15s girls rugby league team.

They finished second in their league and reached the National Cup Final.

The success marks the progress of the side since forming four years ago.

Although they were defeated 28-10 by Normanton side Bronte Barbarians in Saturday’s National Cup Final at Bradford Bulls’ Odsal Stadium, they will look back on the campaign with fond memories after working so hard to reach the level they have.

They went undefeated through the group stages of the cup, with some impressive results.

The semi-final was played against Orrell St James with the girls coming away with a convincing 26-6 win.

It was a tremendous team effort with some great defensive work, and particularly shining were Zoe King and Ruby Hunt.

Tries came from Isabella Gill, Lyla Finch and Lily Sheron, who all went over twice each, and a conversion was added by Mia Drescher.

They had a couple of difficult seasons but have all stuck to it and worked hard under the guidance of coaches Joe Finch and Andrew Hibbert, who said: “We are extremely proud of the dedication that the girls have put in at training particularly over the past year.

“This season they have come second in the top division for their age group and to make it to the National Cup finals is an outstanding achievement.

“These girls are not only talented and resilient but they have a great bond and team ethic.”

Captain Lyla Finch SAID:“ I am so proud of how the team has developed since our formation in 2019.

“I’m proud to say that we are National Cup finalists.”

2023 has been a breakthrough year for the girls’ game.

England Women’s run to the semi-finals of last year’s Rugby League World Cup inspired record numbers of young players to get involved, with more than 130 teams from 57 clubs taking part this year across the age groups.