IT was a day to remember for Malton & Norton’s girls when England began their Women’s Six Nations campaign against Italy in York on Sunday.

Ceilidh, Lucy, Charlotte, Erin, Mia, Bethany were chosen to be among the flag bearers for the game, which saw the Red Roses ease to a 38-5 win in front of a sold-out crowd at the LNER Community Stadium.

The girls arrived in York just before lunchtime to start their preparations, and were joined by over 80 girls from clubs across North and East Yorkshire, including Driffield and Scarborough.

They practiced on the stadium’s adjoining 3G pitches how to handle the giant sheet flags; unfolding, folding and waving, before a final practice on the main pitch.

Before they knew it, it was time to proudly take to the pitch ahead of kick-off. Dressed in their brand new kits, they got everything ready for the players’ arrivals and national anthems.

Members of Malton & Norton's girls section pose with England's Maud Muir.Members of Malton & Norton's girls section pose with England's Maud Muir. (Image: Supplied) Natalie Featherstone, Girls Section Team Manager at Malton & Norton, enthused: “The girls did an amazing job and were seamless at delivering what was expected as well as being polite and courteous to their instructors. 

“They were excellent representatives of the club, watched on by lots of their teammates in the crowd. 

“It was a sold-out game and many of the seats were taken by Malton Rugby Club patrons and families of all ages, both current and previous!”

There was plenty of Malton & Norton representation on the day, with newly-appointed captain Zoe Aldcroft, and fellow England teammates Morwenna Talling and Tatyana Heard having all cut their teeth at The Gannock.

The club’s Under 14 Girls are gearing up for their Yorkshire Cup semi-final at Scarborough on April 6. 

Having delivered a host of strong performances this season, they will be hoping to come away with the win and progress to their first-ever final.