The Blackheath Women’s fixture on Sunday 20 April was a memorable one for many reasons, but it will go down in Club history as the day that Isabella Ballantyne become the first female player to play through the age grades and then run on to the pitch with the senior Women.
The game against Hackney saw Isabella surrounded by the players who have helped her along her journey, and she even scored a hat trick of tries in her senior debut. We are all very proud of her.
Bella training with the Women when she was in the Girls section
Clare Elliot, Chair of Community Rugby at Blackheath, says “The game on Sunday 20 April marked a truly special moment for Blackheath Rugby, as Bella became the first player to progress from our girls’ section into the women’s team. Making her debut in a hard-fought match against Hackney, she scored the first three tries and played a crucial role in securing two vital bonus points— helping to secure our place in the league next season. More than just an outstanding performance, this milestone highlights the importance of our player pathway. As our Community Programme and the Girls’ and Women’s sections continue to grow, we hope Bella is just the first of many home-grown players to make this leap. We couldn’t be prouder.”
Club Chairman, James Fleming, agrees with Clare and says “It was fantastic for Isabella to make her debut for the Women’s team last Sunday. It’s the culmination of years of hard work and development for Isabella across all the Girls age group teams. She is the first girl to graduate through the age group teams and achieve a place in the Women’s team and we hope this is the first of many occasions for her to cement her place in the team in the seasons ahead. Well done and congratulations to Isabella!”
And the final words, the story behind Bella’s rugby career, must be given by person who has been by her side as a coach since she started playing, but also (and much more importantly!) as her father — Rob Ballantyne Evans.
“And so it was that last weekend my own personal goal was satisfied. Away to the backwaters of East London, on an undulating council rugby pitch that hadn’t been cut in a month, my daughter pulled on her first senior jersey and ran out for our Club Women! It was not the most glamorous of settings but for me it might as well have been Twickenham. For me was a long awaited moment.
Isabella first started her rugby journey with Blackheath almost ten years ago. Bored of watching her brother from the sidelines she asked to have a go. At age 11 she was unable to continue with her mixed minis team as they transitioned to the juniors and so I set up a girls section, in the hope of giving her and others like her, a pathway. It was with the help of the Blackheath Women that this was even remotely possible. The ladies volunteered to help coach and mentor the girls.
Bella in amongst the post-game huddle after a game
On she went, eventually being selected for Kent county and then to England Centre of Excellence. She captained all three teams at one stage or another. Her love for the game eventually led to Hartpury College in Gloucester where she ultimately moved to study for her A levels… and play more rugby!!! Grades permitting she will be off to Cardiff University in September with her eye on the Super Bucks league.
This season will be my last coaching the ladies. I will reluctantly hang up my whistle. I had joked with Bella over the years that regardless of where the game took her, if she put on a Blackheath shirt then my job was done! After special dispensation was granted by Kent, at 17 years old, Isabella ran out against Hackney last weekend and scored three tries for good measure. I have never felt more proud! In doing so she has become the first Blackheath girl to play through all age grades. It was a special moment because she joined the very women who had helped nurture her.
I have always maintained that rugby is more than just a game. It is the people around you. The community. The sense of belonging. Those ingredients have helped to shape my little girl into a strong, confident young woman. It is thanks to the incredible people of this club that Isabella has had opportunity and continued support, enabling her to thrive.”
Congratulations, Bella, you’re officially in the Club history books!
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