PUT to the sword by the impressive young Canadian tourists, Drybrook now know exactly how much they have to improve to take a step up the ladder in the world of women's rugby.

From small beginnings, the game has grown and grown in Drybrook.

A team was first formed about 15 years ago, but flourished only briefly. Reformed five years ago, it has now taken root with around 50 girls signed up for the club's youth teams.

"It has been remarkable really," says club official Gerry Fisher. "There is a lot of enthusiasm much of which has been created by manager Mandy Meredith. It's fair to say Drybrook now has one of the best set-ups in the South-West for women's rugby and that is probably why we were asked to host the touring Canadian side," he said.

"We played quite well but it is a learning curve. The hope is that we can push ahead from this and make even greater progress."

The visitors, he added, were an excellent team – more a district side than a club team.

Initially coached by Mark Graham and Craig Wintle, Drybrook's former captain Neil Morgan has now taken over the reins.

As valiantly as they played, Drybrook were no match for the visitors. However they did put together a fine move rounded off with an excellent try scored by Molly Teague. Drybrook's player on the match was Robyn Hancock.

There was certainly plenty of action at the Mannings Ground as the Under 15s and Under 13s girls' teams were also playing their Tewkesbury counterparts. The Under 15s won 22-20 and the Under 13s, 50 -0.