ARDROSSAN Accies Women’s rugby team break new ground this weekend as they make their debut in a competitive league - the first female squad to represent the Accies in the club’s 96-year history.

The team started with six keen women back in 2015 and have gone from strength to strength in the two years since.

Over 25 players now regularly train and after pre-season wins against Wigtownshire and Falkirk, the Accies ladies take on Kelso this Sunday in BT Women’s National League 2.

Squad Captain Eilidh McCreadie said: “We’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this point and it’s an exciting time for us. Being accepted into the League is a big step up but we’re ready for it and we’re looking forward to doing our sponsors, the club, our coach and ourselves proud.”

The dedicated team juggle intense twice-weekly training sessions with busy lives and jobs – the squad includes teachers, nurses, a musician, a radio producer and students of all ages.

Ashleigh Building, the team’s main sponsor, are impressed with the commitment shown by the players; Managing Director David Smith said: “These women are strong, determined and inspirational. We take pride in supporting our local community and are delighted to be associated with this talented local team. We wish Ardrossan Accies Ladies the very best in the forthcoming season.”

For more information on the team and for the latest news, follow @ArdrossanRugby on Facebook.