Weybridge Valkyries, Vandals' formidable girls section, will be looking to better last season's trophy-filled campaign when contact rugby finally gets under way later this month.

Pre-season training for the Valkyries, Reeds Weybridge and London Irish cluster, is in full swing with all age groups welcoming new faces of all abilities and experience levels to what is already one of the strongest girls rugby sections in Surrey.

The entire section, which now includes the U11s girls as part of the new U12 dual age banding, is gearing up for another bumper season with the coaches having successfully nurtured and moulded players from three clubs into hugely competitive squads across the board.

"We're always looking to improve and the new faces in every age group will only strengthen our resources. We're all excited to see how they go this season," added Valkyries chair Stuart Amos.

Players in the Valkyries U12, U14 and U16 age groups contested three Cup finals last term with the U12s taking the plaudits as they lifted the Surrey Cup thanks to a dramatic 25-20 triumph over SPARKS.

Eliza Bednar touchdown in the corner from the last play of the game to clinch victory to ensure they completed their season undefeated following impressive wins over the likes of Wimbledon, Guildfordians, Sutton & Epsom and Richmond.

There was heartache for U14s 'A' team, similarly clustered, as they lost their showpiece at Harlequins Stoop stadium, 26-17 to Barnes having conceded just 15 points in beating Richmond, Dorking and Farnham in the pool stages.

Their 'B' team made up for the disappointment as they thrashed Richmond 35-12 to claim the Surrey Vase to complete their season with a perfect record. They averaged 40+ points per game in beating Wimbledon, Guildfordians and Cobham in their pool.

The U16s had seemed on course to reach the Surrey Cup final, but crashed out at the semi-final stage.

They had gone into that game having beaten Guildford/Camberley and Farnham, but a pivotal 32-32 draw in a second encounter with Farnham meant they faced pool winners Wimbledon in the last four, where they came up agonisingly short.

Congratulations to everyone connected with the section on a hugely successful season of growth and development. Here's hoping for a repeat this time around.

All age groups train on Wednesday evenings and Sundays and any players looking to give rugby a try with one of the most active girls rugby clubs in Surrey can contact the Valkyries via the contacts page here .