Ripon's rugby playing ladies are going places – right up to the top of the northern league. Promoted from Division 3 to Division 2 in 1999, last season saw them champions of that division and from September they will be playing in North National Division 1, with the heady heights of women's rugby premier league within reach.

Success brings financial problems, but the doughty girls are prepared to help themselves, whether by organising discos or posing for a memorable pin-up calendar. Now they can concentrate on training as they have two sponsors to help with expenses for the forthcoming season. The farmhouse cheesemaking firm, Shepherds Purse of Thirsk, are backing the club. Katie Bell, their sales manager, plays with the team.

'I love the sport because it is thrilling, the team spirit is great and even the training is fun' says Katie. 'It's different, yes, and that's part of the attraction, but we are not unfeminine. We are all very grateful to the family firm for backing us, and we are great advertisements for cheese eating.'

Another generous sponsor is Calverts Carpets, also of Thirsk, which have always supported local sport.

The success of the team has attracted players from all over the north and they now have a squad of 40, several of whom have been picked for representative teams. Their home ground is Mallorie Park in Ripon, and first match will be there in September.