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Bridie Reeves, 18, won the U-20 Nations Cup in Canada

Bridie Reeves has helped put England Women Under-20s on top of the world by claiming the inaugural Nations Cup in Canada.

The 18-year-old, from Keighley, came on in the 35th minute of the 30-7 final win over the host nation on Saturday.

Bridie started two of England's three group games as the youngsters stormed past Canada A 22-0 and Wales 14-3.

The only game the flanker missed out on was England's opening fixture, a 31-5 win over Canada.

Bridie, short for Bridget, was thrilled to represent her country at the eight-day tournament in Toronto.

She said: "It was absolutely brilliant. Being stood there singing the anthem is indescribable. It was storming down during the final and after about two weeks of sun it was odd, to say the least.

"I think it worked in our favour - the Canada players said that when they knew it was going to rain they were distraught and it messed up their game plan.

"But even so, our coach said the skill level we showed was absolutely outstanding given the conditions.

"To come home with three caps, especially being one of the youngest of the squad, is an overwhelming feeling.

"It was a roller-coaster of emotions. There was amazing highs and lows - it was shattering at times, getting up at seven for training at quarter past. But I learnt so much out just being in that professional environment for two weeks."

England Under-20s head coach Giselle Mather said: "We are enormously proud of the journey this squad has been on.

"They have become very dedicated and committed athletes who have worked very hard to achieve their goal of winning the Under-20s Nations Cup.

"To play four very hard games in nine days and to produce performances in the heat and driving rain that we are very proud of is a remarkable achievement.

Bridie, who has just finised as a pupil at Skipton Girls High and is hoping to enrol at Leeds Met University, said organisers reckoned the competition was the equivalent of the World Cup at their age group.

She started her rugby career playing union for Keighlians at the age of five. When she could no longer play in the same team as boys she played league before returning to union in 2006.

She now plays for Leeds Leos and is aiming to take part in the Nations Cup again next year when the event is held in England - and may be expanded to include southern hemisphere teams.

First though Bridie will attend trials with the full England women's squad in August.

8:52am Thursday 24th July 2008

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