Enniskillen Win Ulster Girls U18 Cup

Enniskillen U18 Girls defeated Belfast Harlequins 37-5 on Tuesday evening at Stevenson Park, Dungannon, to win the Ulster Cup.



From the outset, both teams put in excellent tackles and ran some great lines. The first breakthrough came for Enniskillen with Alison Glass barging her way through before offloading to allow scrum half Kathryn Dane to dive over the line. After the restart, Skins continued to dominate the possession with excellent passing from the backs to allow Rebecca Pennell to score the second try of the game. Enniskillen's defensive line was tested as Quins made use of their backs, with Rachel Tombs looking dangerous. Quins looked to be about to capitalise on some quick passing through the hands as they headed in the direction of the try line, however, a turn over at the ruck allowed Skins a soft opportunity and Lucy Barr sprinted down the wing to score. As half time approached, a further try was added by Kathryn Dane to bring the score at half time to 20-0 in Skins favour.

From the restart, both teams picked up the tempo. A knock-on from Harlequins allowed Kathryn Dane to take advantage, scooping the ball up and sprinting down the wing before passing to Rebecca Pennell to score her second try of the game. A Skins penalty in the Quins 22 culminated with Claire Boles touching down for try number five. Belfast Harlequins decided to pile on the pressure in the final ten minutes as they edged closer to the try line. Their hard work was rewarded with a penalty.  Scrum half Natalia Haugh took a quick tap and Chantelle Asquith used her pace and strength to dive over the whitewash. Enniskillen responded with flanker Hollie Bruce pushing her way through to score the final try of the game allowing Skins to lift the Under 18s Ulster Cup.

Congratulations must go to all players and coaches involved for putting on a great display of rugby. Thanks also go to Dungannon RFC for the use of their facilities, and Jen Goodall who supplied the U18 Cup.