THE head of the Hillfoots Vixens looked back on a hugely successful first full year as a rugby club.

The Vixens were formed in 2023 as a women’s counterpart to Hillfoots RFC and have since finished their first league season as a team.

Entering the leagues as the underdogs, they pulled off a fifth placed finish out of eight eligible teams, which the club admitted had exceeded their expectations.

Advertiser Sport spoke with Christina Swinton, head vixen for Hillfoots, who reflected on last season.

“A fifth-placed finish was amazing,” Swinton said. “It was much better than we expected.

“People had underestimated us, they saw a brand new team joining the league and they thought we would come last.

“We have put a lot of those doubts to rest and it’s amazing to see how many women want to get involved.”

The club has now grown to hold membership numbers of more than three dozen, attracting interest from the University of Stirling as well.

Swinton continued: “We’re sitting on around 35-40, some of them didn’t have any rugby experience but they’re wanting to get involved.

“Some players are starting to come through at the university – some are still at university and want to get involved in club rugby.”

One of the biggest highlights for the Vixens last season was earning their first competitive win as a club.

Hillfoots Vixens visited Bannockburn to play against the Valkyries on September 15, running out winners by 40-10.

This win was a momentous occasion for the club, capping off almost a year of training and hard work.

“It was really satisfying,” Swinton added. “I am hoping that becomes a bit of a derby going forward.

“It was amazing. Everyone joined in celebrating at the club house afterwards and it proved that we can do it.

“We can play rugby. This was a way for us to prove ourselves and show people what we’ve been doing.”

Next up for the Vixens is their entry into the National Plate competition. In preparation for that, they will welcome Grangemouth to their ground for a friendly on December 14.