A BUNCH of rugby-mad girls made history last month as the youngest ever girls rugby league game took place between Leigh Miners and Pilkington Recs.

Playing to a crowd "as big as the open age", Leigh Miners took on Pilkington Recs on Wednesday, June 29, in what was the country's first-ever under 7s girls match.

Spurred on by women Super League players from St Helens and Leigh Miners, the youngsters "absolutely loved" the occasion and gave everything they had.

Leigh Journal: Leigh Miners first team players with the under 7sLeigh Miners first team players with the under 7s

Jo Woods, coach of the under 7s, said: "I’m so proud of all the girls, from training to all matches they try their hardest but most of all they had fun!

"Particularly for this match, it was about bringing the girls together to break history.

"I was over the moon with how many people came to support us and can’t thank you enough to the women from Leigh Miners Ladies Super League Team - they even spoke to the girls after the match and gave them certificates."

"It’s amazing to see the beginning of the girls starting their rugby league journey."

Leigh Journal: Coach Jo Woods said she is "so proud" of the girlsCoach Jo Woods said she is "so proud" of the girls

At present, the girls and boys rugby teams will remain mixed until under 12s to support the girl's development.

However, there are hopes that there will eventually there will be an girls leagues at younger age groups if the game continues to grow.