News from The Dings

Late February and early March were fertile weeks for us at Dings, for the first time this season the First XV managed a run of 3 consecutive victories, scoring 19 tries in the process. The 2nd XV also had a notable win against table toppers Clifton, 53 - 0, and the thirds also going well.

Shaftesbury Park has been very busy in recent weeks, continuing to host the Bristol Bears Ladies and the Bristol Bear Cubs. The Bear Cubs have sone particularly well, winning the National Title for their age group, that augurs well for the future.

In April, the club are hosting two special Pre Match lunches. Firstly, on the 2nd April, our theme is Those who have Passed”, where we will pay tribute to those of our players who died during the height of the pandemic and for whom we were not able to give a proper send off. Hopefully members of their family will be able to join us. This is before the Henley match.

Then on Easter Saturday, 16th, when we entertain Redruth we are holding a former players reunion.

Our annual Awards Dinner takes place in May.

1st XV Home Fixtures in April:

2nd April: v. Henley k.o. 3.00 pm
16th April: v. Redruth k.o. 3.00 pm
30th April: v. Westcliff k.o. 3.00 pm

And Bristol Bears Women, who also play at Frenchay’s Shaftesbury Park, are rightly proud that no less than eleven of their number have been announced in national squads ahead of the TikTok Women’s Six Nations Tournament to be played through April.

Abbie Ward, Sarah Bern, Amber Reed, and Leanne Infante have been selected for the England Squad, while Kayleigh Powell, Jasmine Joyce, Keira Bevan, Siwan Lillicrap, Alisha Butchers, Natalia John, and Manon Johnes are all in the Wales squad for a pre-tournament fixture v. the USA.