Beth excited by call-up

Beth Sutcliffe

A STAR women’s rugby player from Oldham is tackling a major challenge on the other side of the world.

Beth Sutcliffe (26) was on her way to Australia today with fellow members of the England women’s rugby league squad.

Beth, pictured below, who lives in Windsor Road and works as a countryside ranger at Hollingworth Lake, has played with the squad for six years.

She has been to many tournaments and five years ago she represented England in the World Championships in New Zealand.

This time the squad are hoping for great things because the England women’s squad is ranked second among the competing countries.

She said: “I am proud to be representing my country and excited about the trip to Australia.

“There is support at work and Rochdale Council has kindly given me a month’s leave of absence so I can take part in the trip.”

Her family too is proud of Beth’s contribution to sport and her membership of the England squad in particular.

Twin brother Arren said: “We are proud of her and pleased that there is more backing for the trip this time.

“The finals are to be played before the men’s Rugby League World Cup finishes late in November.

“There will be various sides playing in the women's finals, including Australia and New Zealand.

“She has played on the women’s England team since she was 20 and previously represented England in youth football.

“Obviously we will all be rooting for in the trip and keeping in touch.”

Beth is a former pupil at Blue Coat School, Oldham, and later she worked for Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale.

Her father is Howard Sutcliffe, former Oldham councillor and ex-vicar of St Paul’s, Oldham, who now works for Voluntary Action, Oldham.