TWO rugby players from Keighley have helped England’s women to success in their respective codes.
Ellie Kildunne has made a stunning start to her rugby union international career with three tries in her first two games, while Jess Courtman helped England’s league side get off to a flying start in the World Cup in Australia.
Kildunne came on as a replacement and got on the scoresheet as England romped to a 79-5 victory over Canada in the first match of the series last Friday.
The former Keighley RUFC junior, who is a former Woodhouse Grove School pupil, claimed the final try.
Fellow debutant Jessica Breach scored an incredible six tries.
Kildunne’s performance earned her a start in Tuesday’s second game and she celebrated with two stunning tries as England triumphed 49-12.
Having caught the eye with her impressive running which brought her a try in the first half, she rounded off England’s scoring after the break with a stunning 60-metre solo effort.
Meanwhile, Courtman was in the England rugby league side who romped to a 36-8 opening victory over Papua New Guinea in Sydney.
She was one of eight Bradford Bulls in the side as Bulls club-mate Amy Hardcastle scored a stunning try.
Courtman was also in the team as England lost their second game 38-0 to hosts Australia at the same venue.
She was on the bench for the third game against the Cook Islands, which saw England lose 22-16 as Hardcastle, Emma Slowe and Kayleigh Bulman scored tries.
Despite their defeat, England did enough to qualify for the semi-finals thanks to a superior points difference to the Cook Islands.
They will now face New Zealand in the last four on Sunday.
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