YEOVIL NEWS: Town has a rugby World Cup winner! We salute Marlie Packer!

THERE will be a growing call this week for Yeovil’s very own Marlie Packer to be given Honorary Citizenship of the Town after she became a World Cup winner tonight (Sunday, August 17, 2014) with the England women’s rugby team.

Marlie, 24, a former Bucklers Mead and Yeovil College student, was part of the England team which this evening beat Canada 21pts-9 in Paris to win the World Cup.

Marlie, who started her rugby-playing in Yeovil at Ivel Barbarians as a young girl, came close to scoring a try for England midway through the first-half, but was caught by the Canadians.

PHOTO - TOP: England women's rugby team celebrate winning the World Cup this evening (Sunday, August 17, 2014).

PHOTO - RIGHT: Yeovil's World Cup winner Marlie Packer.

England led 11pts-3 at half-time, but the Canadians came back at them in the second-half as England’s lead stood at 14pts-9 going into the final ten minutes.

But the nerves were helped on 73 minutes when Emily Scarratt scored a try and then converted to open up a 12-point winning cushion for England.

Marlie and her England team-mates have been receiving messages of congratulations from back home.

Prime Minister, David Cameron, said: “Huge congratulations to England women on their first World Cup triumph in 20 years. Your country is so proud of you.”

England had lost the previous three finals to New Zealand and so the relief was obvious for all to see that this was to be their day.

Marlie, 24, a flanker in rugby but a plumber by trade, went to Birchfield Primary School, Buckler’s Mead School and Yeovil College.

PHOTO - LEFT: Yeovil's Marlie Packer in action for England.

She began her rugby career as a five-year-old with Ivel Barbarians where she flourished and became a talented player, so much so that she went on to play for Bath before joining Bristol in 2009.

She now plays for Wasps.

Packer had helped England to win their World Cup semi-final against Ireland in convincing 40pts-7 style by scoring two tries having come on as a substitute.

Yeovil Town Council can award the Honorary Citizenship of Yeovil award – the highest honour it can give to somebody for their achievements.

Back in April 2003 the award was presented to Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson, chairman John Fry and majority shareholder Jon Goddard-Watts for guiding the club into the Football League.

The award had only been presented twice before – to cricket legend Ian Botham in 1983 and Polar explorer Ann Daniels in 2000.

Now should Yeovil's Marlie Packer be the latest to receive the honour?

Tags:
News.