In what spectators called a great advertisement for womens rugby – Enniskillen narrowly edged out Belfast Harlequins 22 – 20 in their return to AIL rugby. The match, touted to be the clash of the round, saw Enniskillen come out hard in the first 20 minutes scoring 2 quick tries to Marcella McGovern and Eimear Corrigan to go up 10 – nil much to the shock of the home team.
After a few words from the coach, the Harlequins women started to play the type of rugby that they are known for and attacked the Enniskillen line with renewed vigour. They were unlucky to be held up over the line before prop, Sorcha Chipperfield drove over the line to score followed by a conversion from Ashleigh Baxter to bring the score back to 10 – 7 at half time.
Enniskillen came out hard again in the second half with a try to Shirelle Wilson before Harlequins hit back with tries to Ashleigh Baxter and, on her senior debut, Nikki Caughey to take the lead 17 – 15. A penalty a few minutes later to Nikki Caughey saw Belfast Harlequins extend their lead to 20 – 15.
However, the joy was not to last, with a quick tap led to a last minute try to Brenda Brogan tieing up scores with Sarah Teague converting to put Enniskillen ahead 22 – 20.
Well done to all players – it was a thoroughly entertaining game!
Enniskillen: Kerri Shaw, Sarah Teague, Catherine Mallon, Natasha Harkin, Helen Carlton, Aisling Caughey, Diedre Donnelly, Shirelle Wilson, Noreen Nethercott, Eimear Corrigan, Marcella McGovern, Leanne Hall, Brenda Brogan, Rhonda McMahon, Tara MacDonough
Belfast Harlequins: Sorcha Chipperfield, Jen Goodall, Cree McKeown, Alanagh Chipperfield, Ciara Dunwoody, Emma Boyd, Kathryn Hanna, Eileen McElroy, Zoe Templeton, Nikki Caughey, Lauren Moore, Laura Ferguson, Lesleyann Stirling, Rebecca Francis, Ashleigh Baxter, Frankie Durieux, Brenda Artt, Hilary Faith, Annmarie Nolan, Ciara McKeeman, Jenny Waide, Katie O’Rouke
