Bracknell RFC’s Malene Bowden-Evans represented Norway Women’s 7s in Makarska, Croatia at the European Trophy Series (5th - 7th June) helping Norway to a 5th Place finish overall.

Malene, a former pupil of Garth Hill College, and The Henley College, now plays and studies at the University of Surrey.

In a season in which she has helped her university win the Southern Premier League, and the promotion playoff against Nottingham University to gain promotion to SuperBUCS, Malene also earned an International call up.

After warm up events in Copenhagen and on the Costa Blanca, Norway began the tournament in Pool A.

First up in Makarska were pre-tournament favourites Italy which sadly ended in a 29-0 defeat but was later followed by a win against Switzerland (7-5) to conclude Day 1.

Day 2 began with a creditable win against tournament hosts Croatia (41-0) and place in the 1/4 finals against Hungary.

After narrowly losing to a last play try (15-10) Norway entered the play offs knowing they couldn’t place lower than 8th.

Two further victories followed against Austria (12-7) and finally Georgia (12-7) saw Norway finish 5th in the tournament.

The tournament was won by Ukraine who defeated Italy (24-10).

The next round of the European Series moves onto Chisinau, Moldova (26th - 28th June).