A student officer has described making her debut for the British Police Women’s Rugby Team as ‘a phenomenal experience’.
Northumbria Police Federation member Megan Riley ran out for the British Police against the RAF Women in Oxford earlier this year.
It was the first game of the year for the British Police, and they were edged out 30-29 in a thrilling encounter.
The RAF raced into a 25-5 half-time lead but the British Police roared back in the second half, coming close to completing a stunning fightback.
Defending
Megan, who played on the wing for the police side, said: “We had a lot of new faces, and with it being the first time the team has come together this year it took us a little bit to figure out how everyone plays together.
“We really grew into the game and it was great to watch everybody click in the second half.
“I did a fair bit of defending. I love the defensive side of the game.
“I used to play in the forwards, so breakdowns and getting turnovers are my favourite things.
“I absolutely loved it. It was a phenomenal opportunity and experience.”
Megan grew up near the Stadium of Light in a family of Sunderland supporters.
But now her family is fully converted to the oval ball game and tries not to miss a game she’s involved in – even taking her to Oxford for the British Police fixture after she had completed a night shift.
“Being from Sunderland and living quite close to the stadium, I grew up in a football household,” said the 21-year-old. “Football was the sport, really.
“But once I started playing, my parents did everything they could to support me.
Rugby
“They drove me to games, to training, and they still come and watch me now. They don’t like missing games. They are huge converts.
“My grandparents are too – they took me to the RAF game.
“I’d just come off night shift and they didn’t want me driving all that way.
“I used it as a chance to do my university work – and sleep.”
Megan began playing rugby at school and played for Houghton. She now plays for Blaydon.
“In secondary school I loved PE. I was up for anything the school would offer, whether it be cricket, netball, football,” said Megan, who is studying for her degree apprenticeship at Northumbria University.
“One day I got asked if I would play some touch rugby and I absolutely fell in love.
“In my earlier rugby days, I used to play flanker but I got told I was too fast. I love the wing now and couldn’t think of anything else.”
British Police
Megan received an email from Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine congratulating her on her selection for the British Police team.
“I had an email from the Chief to congratulate us,” she said.
“I knew that the people overseeing the British Police team were going to contact our forces, I just didn’t expect it to get all the way to the top. I was very surprised, but it was nice to receive.”
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