By Robert Haile

The 2025 Andrea Buggy Women’s League kicked off with big wins for Penrith AFC Ladies Titans, Newlaithes Ladies FC and Xtreme Fitness Ladies.

Returning with ten teams the 9 a side league took to the field on Wednesday, April 16.

Making their debut were Penrith AFC Ladies Titans who ran out 13 – 2 winners at home to Vickerstown Ladies.

With six goals from Ellie Gallacher, four for Sadie Roberts, two from Abigail Heaton and a single goal for Jasmine Crowther.

Newlaithes Ladies put five past Penrith AFC Ladies Rubies. Nicola Waugh two goals from Stacey Harkness Grant, Abi Telford and Kerri Mallinson.

Newlaithes captain Paige Williams said: “The first game back playing in the summer league for us. After a slowish start, we soon found our rhythm. With some slick passing and moving, we created lots of chances throughout the game. Progression for next week’s game is to make sure we take our opportunities and convert our chances.”

In their opening game Xtreme Ladies welcomed Whitehaven AFC Ladies Blue and recorded a 5-0 win.

Xtreme featured five debutants with Marcy Thornthwaite, Lexi Rowntree, Niamh Henderson, Brooke Butler and Keira Clark making their first appearance for the club as a Rachel Gallagher hat trick and brace form Rowen Williams gave them the win.

A spokesperson for Xtreme said: “Last nights game was dedicated to Peter Rushforth who sadly passed away on the June 18.

“Peter was one of the clubs biggest fans over the years and we hope we done him proud with the teams performance last night.

“A massive thank you to peters family who came down to support the ladies last night.

“We would like to thank all of our supporters that came down to cheer the ladies onto their first win of the season, it was lovely to see all your faces back on the sideline.”

Stanwix Juniors were held to a 1-1 by Carlisle United Ladies Development and renamed Workington Town Wildcats held Whitehaven AFC Ladies Yellow to a 2-2 draw.

The next round of matches take place on Wednesday, April 23, as Penrith AFC Ladies Titans face the Rubies in an early season derby while Newlaithes Ladies head to Carlisle United Ladies Development.

Workington Town Wildcats face Xtreme Fitness, Whitehaven AFC Ladies Yellow take on Whitehaven AFC Ladies Blue and Vickerstown Ladies host Stanwix Hornets.

All matches are a 7:00pm (19:00) kickoff.