AFTER securing promotion to Premier Two last weekend, Supermarine Ladies are looking forward to testing themselves on the national stage.

Marine claimed a place in the second tier of women's rugby via a tense four-team play-off in Coventry and now captain Alex Parker admits her charges cannot wait for the new season to begin.

She said: "Everybody is looking forward to the challenge greatly.

"I think we have a chance of doing well.

"We would love to be challenging straight away, but realistically I think we're good enough to finish upper mid-table.

Marine will be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Wasps second string and Parker hopes her players use the platform to further their rugby careers.

"Playing in Premier 2 gives the players a good stage to show what they can do.

"There is the potential to be spotted and maybe a few of them can go on to get international recognition."

Promotion was gained at Broadstreet RFC, where the champions of North One (Blaydon), South East One (Rosslyn Park) and South West One (Chesham) provided tough opposition for Midlands One champions Marine in a round-robin tournament.

Marine's chances were hanging in the balance after an opening-match defeat at the hands of Rosslyn Park, but Shona Watt's converted try gave Marine a 7-0 triumph over Chesham in a game two.

The Swindon side trailed on numerous occasions in the third and final match, but a dramatic last-gasp try from Rachel Jelleyman was converted by Claire Smith to secure a 19-19 draw and a place in the national division.

Jelleyman was an apt scorer of the decisive try, having been influential in the club's formation a decade ago.

She said: "I have been here from the start and it is the greatest achievement in our history.

"Everyone is really looking forward to next season and to testing ourselves at the higher level."