BEARS under-13 girls crowned a successful season by winning the St George’s Trophy in London.

The Bournemouth, Ellingham and Ringwood team won all of their matches at the Grasshoppers RFC ground.

The under-13 girls side, which was only formed in September, beat their arch-rivals Beckenham on their way to picking up their gold medals.

The Kent-based team had recently beaten Bears in the final of the Winchester tournament.

Bears captain Lydia Kearney received the trophy from England back-row forward Maggie Alphonsi.

Coach Raj Karkera said: It was great to finish the season so strongly in what was a very prestigious tournament.

“Most of our squad will be moving up to the under-15 age group next season, where I know they will be just as successful,” he added.

There were also medals for Bears’ other two girls teams.

The under-18 girls finished as runners-up, losing just one game against the eventual winners Medway.

Meanwhile, the under-15 girls finished in third place.

After the tournament all of the players and their families watched the top-of-the-table Premiership clash between Harlequins and Leicester at the Stoop.

While the under-13 girls have now finished their season, the under-18 girls are on tour this weekend.

They will be playing Bridgnorth in an evening floodlit game tomorrow night, before competing in the Worcester 10s on Sunday.

Both the under-15 and under-18 girls will then be competing in the Worthing 10s on Sunday, May 6 and the national sevens in Lichfield on Saturday, May 12.

Anyone interested in playing girls rugby for the Bears can call Steve Benson on 07702 953500.