In a match that had been scheduled and cancelled a number of times due to the inclement weather, both teams were eager to prove themselves from the outset.
In a soggy encounter, the heavy ground and greasy ball made hard work for both teams but this was great experience for both packs as both teams were able to contest the scrum. Ballymoney had the edge at first turning over scrum ball but this effort was unrewarded as failure to secure the ball in the ruck and in contact left the ballymoney ladies wanting in the posession stakes. Both teams were dogged in attack and defence in the first 10 minutes which showed even possession with the ball not getting into either teams 22.
The break came from great work by fly half Zelie Gallagher creating the overlap allowing 'quins captain Rachel Toomes to break, dotting a try between the posts. Gallagher added the extras and both teams began to settle into the game.
Quins seemed to find their stride towards the end of the second half having a purple patch with tries and conversions flying in. But the Ballymoney ladies were not to be downhearted with great striking runs from Emma Orr, a powerhouse for the 'money who was consistently working hard at the breakdown and 'money Captain Demi Whitfield onhand to offer motivation to her charges. However 'quins defence was steadfast and strong with phenominal work by Chantelle Asquith ripping ball and flying tackles from Zara Ryan and Jemma McClelland ensuring the defence stayed true.
The second half started with a quick try from 'quins Ellen McVeigh coming off the bench, and some great runs fron Conila Maguire setting up the overlap for some scoring opportunities, but the handling let them down as well as a great last ditch defensive efforts from Ballymoney.
Towards the end of the match 'money found their stride and attacked the 'quins line phase after phase. Quins Lauren O'Conner foiled one attempt with a crucial try saving tackle, but with great ball retention from Ballymoney the line broke and Kelsey Davis got her just rewards driving over for a Ballymoney consolation try at the death! Conversion slipped just low and wide.
Final Score: Quins 40- 5 Ballymoney.
This provides great experience in a well disciplined game, both teams enjoying the banter afterwards (including coaches). Quins Coaches Marty Asquith and Jen Goodall were delighted with the result as they move on to play Bangor away in a few weeks time.
Quins would like to say a massive thank you to referee Eamonn Whelan for a great job and massive thanks to Ballymoney coaches Gill Powell and Julie Greene and of course the girls for coming down.
The future is bright in youth rugby in Ulster.
Pauline McFerran