RISBOROUGH RFC are a club in rude health.

Their first team is top of the table after a staggering 41-41 draw in their most recent match; they are in the process of introducing women’s rugby and also have ambitions to launch junior teams in the coming seasons.

Risborough are setting the pace in the BB&O Championship after preserving their unbeaten record in a mind-boggling match with Harwell last time out.

They had won all six of their league games before that, but were heading for disaster at half time.

Chairman Andy Emmett said: “Harwell really came at us hard and were about 30-5 up at half time.

“But the fightback was immense and it was fantastic to secure some points in the end.

“I think our highest scoring draw before that was 29-29. It was an absolutely mad game.”

Risborough are also on the up when it comes to women’s rugby, with the introduction of a ladies team this season gathering momentum.

Emmett said: “We’ve put a coaching structure in place and are giving it the time it deserves.

“We’ve got eight to ten ladies training with us regularly and hopefully by the end of the season we’ll be ready to play our first game.”

Risborough’s progress on this side continues a trend within Bucks.

High Wycombe RUFC already have a flourishing ladies’ section while Chesham has just been selected as a centre of development for girls’ rugby in Bucks.

Emmett said: “You have to play eight friendlies in a season before you’re eligible to join a league.

“But the problem is there aren’t many teams out there at the moment so if you’re looking at a league structure you could be travelling two hours for an away game.

“But with the women’s side winning the World Cup I think it’s something that will really develop.

“Now if we can introduce junior rugby to Risborough that would be fantastic. That’s the next step.”

Risborough return to action a week tomorrow against Faringdon.