Cross-Inspired Swans Edge Thriller Against Linchfield
IslandStats.com
Buckingham Swans Whites Women's Rugby team maintained their sensational start to the season, but they had to fight tooth and nail to secure a dramatic 36-35 victory over Linchfield Ladies at the Buckingham Rugby Club.
The nail-biting, one-point triumph followed the Swans' clinical 33-5 win over Coalville Ladies last week, demonstrating that the team is in absolutely formidable form early in the campaign.
The high-scoring affair was a true test of nerve and fitness for both sides, with the Swans ultimately outscoring their rivals by five tries to four.
However, in a match where points flowed freely, it was a player recognized for her defensive steel that stole the headlines: Sarah Cross. The impactful forward delivered a superb performance, proving an immovable object in the Swans' backline and disrupting countless Linchfield attacks.
Her vital contributions, particularly in the closing stages as Linchfield pressed hard for a match-winning score, saw Cross deservedly named the Defensive Player of the Match.
The victory is a testament to the Swans' resilience and their ability to close out tight contests—a characteristic of genuine championship contenders. Despite conceding 35 points in a dramatic second half, the hosts kept their composure to hold on by the narrowest of margins.
The result ensures the Buckingham Swans Whites continue their momentum and remain a dominant force in the league table as the season progresses.
Friday, October 24, 2025
NSC North Field Closed for World Rugby Classic
IslandStats.com
The North Field 600m walking track at the National Sports Centre will be closed from Tuesday October 28th 2025 to Thursday November 13th 2025, as the north field and Pavilion are being prepared for The World Rugby Classic.
Therefore, walkers, joggers and all other recreational users will not have access to the 600m track, outdoor gym and surrounding grassy areas during that time.
This year’s event will feature Argentina Legends, Italian Classic, Classic Canada, Classic Springboks, Classic Lions, Classic USA, South Africa Rugby and the Classic Eagles, who will each vie for crowning glory.
There will also be a matches featuring Bermuda Mini Rugby.
Craig Tyrrell, the NSC SVP Operations Manager, said, “We are always excited when hosting events like the World Rugby Classic, but it does mean that, for safety purposes while we prepare for and during the tournament, the North Field will have to be closed to our recreational users. We do apologise for any inconvenience, but look forward to their return after the event.”
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Cross Shines as Cardiff Met Seconds Dominate Opener
IslandStats.com
Corrie Cross made an unforgettable debut for the Cardiff Met Women’s Rugby Seconds team, scoring the opening try and earning 'Forward of the Match' honours in a colossal 105-0 victory over Gloucestershire at the Oxstalls Sports Park in Gloucester.
The match, which served as the season opener, saw Cardiff Met assert their dominance from the very first whistle, leaving Gloucestershire with no answer to their relentless attack and resolute defence.
Cross, featuring in her first competitive outing for the team, wasted no time in making an impact. Her opening try set the tone for what would become an overwhelming performance by Cardiff Met.
To score over 100 points and keep a clean sheet against any opposition is a testament to the comprehensive nature of Cardiff Met's display. Cross's individual recognition as the team's forward of the match further highlights her significant contribution to this emphatic season-opening triumph. It's a strong start for both Cross and the Cardiff Met Seconds side.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Cross & Buckingham Swans Continue Dominant Run
IslandStats.com
Buckingham Swans Whites Women’s Rugby team, featuring the impactful Sarah Cross, continued their sensational start to the season with another dominant performance, this time defeating Coalville Ladies 33-5.
The emphatic victory follows their clinical 76-5 triumph over Handsworth Ladies, showcasing a team in formidable form.
Cross and her teammates travelled to the Coalville Rugby Club Field for what proved to be another resounding display of strength and skill. The Swans quickly established control, demonstrating both attacking prowess and defensive resilience.
The 33-5 scoreline reflects a comprehensive performance from the Buckingham Swans Whites, who appear to be building significant momentum in their campaign. Sarah Cross's continued involvement highlights her importance to a side that is clearly finding its rhythm and proving incredibly difficult to contain for their opposition.
With back-to-back dominant wins, the Buckingham Swans Whites are undoubtedly a team to watch as their season progresses.
Monday, October 20, 2025
Bermuda Joins Expanded RAN Sevens Title Chase
IslandStats.com
The Rugby Americas North (RAN) Senior Sevens Tournament is returning to the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, Trinidad, for the second year of its three-year hosting bid. The event, which runs across three full days, welcomes an expanded field as it serves as the crucial qualification pathway for top-tier international rugby.
The stakes are high, with winners of the top brackets earning qualification for the prestigious SVNS pathway, part of World Rugby’s evolved model.
Bermuda will once again contest the Men’s Tier 1 (MT1) bracket, which remains unchanged from the 2024 lineup.
Significantly, the Women’s (W) competition will be larger this year, with Bermuda and Guyana joining the field.
Furthermore, the tournament offers qualification for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in the Dominican Republic. The top three MT1 teams (excluding Canada, who are pre-qualified) and the top two Women’s teams will secure berths for the CAC Games.
Due to the increased regional participation, the 2025 tournament will now span three full days of intense action.
The MT1 competition will feature two pools of four teams, followed by a knockout stage consisting of Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and Finals. The Women’s and Men’s Tier 2 (MT2) brackets will utilise round-robin play to determine their final standings and match-ups.
Canada (MT1) and México (W) enter the tournament as the defending champions and will be looking to retain their respective titles. The MT2 bracket, which features six teams this year, will crown a new champion, with the winner earning the chance for promotion to the MT1 level in 2026 (pending they are a full RAN Member Union).
