FOLLOWING on from its successful production of the all-male comedy Bouncers last year, Bingley Little Theatre is giving its female members a turn to hit the stage.

Muddy Cows, also by John Godber, is a comedy about Scarfield Ladies’ Rugby Union Football Club, which struggles each week to attract enough players to form a team.

When a new sponsorship deal falls through, it looks like the team may have to fold. In a bid to save the club the members enter a ladies’ Rugby Sevens competition in the hope that winning the prize money will keep the club afloat.

With many of the team preferring to party than train, it falls to the team captain and coach, Maggie, to galvanise the girls into playing the game of their lives to save the club they love.

From training sessions and dirty locker-rooms, to nights on the town and disastrous camping trips, love, life and friendship unfolds in this gritty but witty play.

Previous professional productions of Muddy Cows have left the rugby playing scenes to the imagination - they were reflected on by characters in the changing room.

But Bingley Little Theatre director Kevin Moore has been ambitious. His team of actors get to play the game on stage!

None of the women had touched a rugby ball before rehearsals started, but Kevin says they have thrown themselves into learning with gusto and enthusiasm and have all had a great time practising.

“Women’s sport has had much greater coverage in recent years and England women’s international teams in football, cricket, rugby and other sports have enjoyed much success,” says Kevin. “This play is a million miles away from that, but reflects the trials and tribulations of many local amateur teams, both male and female.

“It’s a play to make you laugh and to make you think.”

* Muddy Cows runs at Bingley Arts Centre from April 15-20 at 7.30pm. For tickets call (01274) 567983.