Omagh Women had their inaugural fixture on Sunday when they welcomed their Ballyshannon counterparts.
Omagh provided a couple of players to their more experienced opponents to ensure even numbers and started off strongly with forwards and backs linking well and no lack of commitment from 1 to 15.
The home side threatened the line of several occasions with scrum half Leanne Monteith very busy and in the thick of the action, though they were rocked by the loss of influential captain, Holly ...
Omagh Women had their inaugural fixture on Sunday when they welcomed their Ballyshannon counterparts. Omagh provided a couple of players to their more experienced opponents to ensure even numbers and started off strongly with forwards and backs linking well and no lack of commitment from 1 to 15. The home side threatened the line of several occasions with scrum half Leanne Monteith very busy and in the thick of the action, though they were rocked by the loss of influential captain, Holly McQuaid. Ballyshannon soaked up the Omagh pressure and gradually won the territory game scoring two late tries to take a 0-10 lead into the break. Gemma McGurk had a strong showing until sidelined by a knee injury and though Omagh battled well two tries, one a superb solo effort by a jinky fullback, saw Qualifying League side Ballyshannon take a 0-20 lead. Refusing to lie down, the home side pulled off some excellent tackles as the game became more physical, with the large crowd appreciative of the ladies efforts and commitment throughout the game. Alicia Clarke capitalised on a fine passage of play to touch down for her sides first ever try in a competitive match as the game ended to get the biggest cheer of the day and a deserved score for her and her team's efforts. The conversion was added with some authority. Accies referee Stephen Robinson then brought Omagh's first competitive friendly to an end with Ballyshannon running out eventual winners by 7-20. Overall this was a very encouraging start for the ladies. They will learn much from this fixture, the physicality needed, the continuity required and also that they possess the skills required to be successful. Tremendous strides have been taken and it is a testimony to the hard working ladies, supported by men's coach, Phil Marshall and ladies coach, Stuart McCain, that they have shown they will be a force to be reckoned with if they continue to learn and develop as a side. Omagh Women next fixture on Saturday when they entertain Qualifying League side, Donegal, in Omagh (kick off 2:30pm). All support very welcome.
Omagh Women had their inaugural fixture on Sunday when they welcomed their Ballyshannon counterparts. Omagh provided a couple of players to their more experienced opponents to ensure even numbers and started off strongly with forwards and backs linking well and no lack of commitment from 1 to 15. The home side threatened the line of several occasions with scrum half Leanne Monteith very busy and in the thick of the action, though they were rocked by the loss of influential captain, Holly McQuaid. Ballyshannon soaked up the Omagh pressure and gradually won the territory game scoring two late tries to take a 0-10 lead into the break. Gemma McGurk had a strong showing until sidelined by a knee injury and though Omagh battled well two tries, one a superb solo effort by a jinky fullback, saw Qualifying League side Ballyshannon take a 0-20 lead. Refusing to lie down, the home side pulled off some excellent tackles as the game became more physical, with the large crowd appreciative of the ladies efforts and commitment throughout the game. Alicia Clarke capitalised on a fine passage of play to touch down for her sides first ever try in a competitive match as the game ended to get the biggest cheer of the day and a deserved score for her and her team's efforts. The conversion was added with some authority. Accies referee Stephen Robinson then brought Omagh's first competitive friendly to an end with Ballyshannon running out eventual winners by 7-20. Overall this was a very encouraging start for the ladies. They will learn much from this fixture, the physicality needed, the continuity required and also that they possess the skills required to be successful. Tremendous strides have been taken and it is a testimony to the hard working ladies, supported by men's coach, Phil Marshall and ladies coach, Stuart McCain, that they have shown they will be a force to be reckoned with if they continue to learn and develop as a side. Omagh Women next fixture on Saturday when they entertain Qualifying League side, Donegal, in Omagh (kick off 2:30pm). All support very welcome.