Helston Rugby Club girls played their first ever home game on Sunday, and the club turned out in force to support them.

The occasion was the semi-final of the South West Cup, which drew a combined Helston, Camborne, and Liskeard Leopards team against cup favourites Exeter Saracens.

The game was a hard- fought encounter, with several of the Camborne girls playing their first competitive game, and it was this experience which eventually told, as Exeter were able to defend and absorb all the Helston pressure, and strike back quickly once they had turned the ball over.

As a result, the experienced Exeter team ran out comfortable winners.

Speaking after the game Helston coach Jos Bondhe said: “I am very proud of my girls, they never stopped trying and tackled their hearts out right up until the final whistle.

“Credit must go to Exeter, who are a very experienced side with a core who play at South West Divisional level, and this experience showed today.

“However, it was a great game to mark our first ever girls’ home game, and we are determined to continue to develop as a team and build on the hard work that has been put in up to now.”

This was echoed by Brian Hosken, Helston RFC Club Chairman, who said: “This is a milestone for the club.

“Girls’ rugby is an important part of our club’s development and despite the result it was encouraging to see how much they have improved since they started with us, which is down to the hard work of the girls and their coaches.

“It was great to see the level of support for this first home game,  and I would like to thank the other participating Clubs for their help in making this possible.”

The club said it was always looking to recruit players for all its teams. Anyone interested should contact  01326 569195.