...whilst raising awareness for Ovarian Cancer!
Blackpool Belles proudly hosted the second Ovarian Cancer Masters Festival on Saturday 12th April 2025. The day dawned bright and sunny, ideal conditions for a day of Rugby League at Blackpool Scorpions A.R.L.F.C., South Shore, Common Edge Community Sports Village.
Eight clubs were represented in total, from Blackpool Belles, Farnley Falcons, Folly Lane, Golborne Pirates, Heysham Atoms, Leigh Miners, Leyland Warriors and Thatto Heath. And that was with a total of 96 women attending in total to enjoy the sunshine, greeting each other in true Masters spirit - hugs, laughter and good humour for the Women’s Masters family.
The event started with a minute’s round of applause in memory of Cliff Tamou, whose presence at the festival was sorely missed. A great advocate of the women’s game and the cause, he had refereed the event last year.
Six games in total were played, with great displays of Masters Rugby League on show. All of the games were played in true Masters spirit, conditions underfoot were solid and tackling was mindful of the impact of hard ground, reducing the risk of injury to players. The ethos of protecting old bones front and centre to the event. There was also pitch side support in the form of a Thatto Heath Crusaders cheerleading squad.
The after-match entertainment involved a variety of cultured games and activities with a difference - resulting in hilarity for all. Two hampers were raffled to add to the funds being raised for Ovarian Cancer. Judith Powell, an Ovarian Cancer survivor, raised awareness of the symptoms.
The event raised a total of £1335.00 for Target Ovarian Cancer charity, which was a great effort from the women and gratefully received by the charity.
Finally, the awards for the festival as voted for by the referees and team captains/managers were:
Woman of the Festival - Amy Bradshaw
Team of the Festival - Thatto Heath Crusaders
Match Officials: Joanne Coates, Louise Worswick, Rachael Croft, Luke Naylor & Tom Harrison.
Fidelma Holland (Blackpool Belles Chair) said: “it’s always an honour to host a Women’s Masters event and great to see friends and meet new ones as the Women’s Masters community grows and expands."
Mina (Women’s Representative) said: “The remarkable growth over the past three years is evident in events like the Ovarian Cancer event this weekend. What started with just two teams has now seen 13 applications to become RFL affiliated Masters clubs in 2025. I want to extend my thanks to Fidelma and the Blackpool Scorpions for their tremendous efforts leading up to and during the event and long may continue the success of the Blackpool Women’s Masters Ovarian Cancer Event.”
Peter (Masters Chair) commented: “It was a fantastic spectacle enjoyed by everyone, highlighting the importance of Masters Rugby League for women. Additionally, we raised a substantial amount of money for a very influential charity."
Bradley Kelk (RFL Social Officer) also commented: “This was my first time attending a Women’s Masters only festival and the people I met and spoke to on the day were fantastic! Very enthused to want to develop the Women’s Masters game and above all there to enjoy and experience the spirit of Masters."
