Yesterday the Ulster Women's team sponsored by The Errigle Inn took on Connacht in a pre-season friendly at County Cavan RFC. Connacht came out on top 19 points to five however the Ulster team, many of whom were playing their first senior game showed great defence and determination.
On Sunday 17th August, County Cavan RFC hosted a friendly between Ulster Women, sponsored by The Errigle Inn and Connacht Women in a warm up match prior to this year’s Senior Inter-provincial Series. The game was played over three 30 minute periods and although Connacht came out on top, five points to 19, the Ulster team will take many positives from the game.
Ulster played into a strong breeze in the first period and cheered on by a large crowd were the first on the score sheet after a 28th minute try from Gemma McCutcheon. A counter attack from Vicky Irwin and great break from Peita McAlister across the half way line gave McCutcheon the opportunity to gather the ball on the wing and stride in almost untouched for the try.
Ulster made wholesale changes in the second period with good endeavour however too many simple mistakes cost them field position and two missed tackles allowed Connacht to touch down out wide. Soon after Connacht got another score through an Ulster mistake by pouncing onto an intercept pass and scoring under the posts to take the lead.
Ulster made further changes in the third to play back into the wind and struggled to get territory much like the first period due to the blustery conditions. However the team refused to lie down and continued to defend well. Connacht were able to keep the pressure on and eventually scored again through a series of pick and goes close to the ruck. Ulster rallied towards the end of the final third and asked lots of questions of the Connacht defence but came up just short resulting in a turnover on the Connacht line.
Head coach, Jonny Gillespie commented post-match:
“It was important to get a hit out today despite the really tough conditions, I thought we defended very well but couldn't get enough territory to put them under sustained pressure. We got to test some combinations and try a few things out which was the main goal. Having an extended squad of 35 often makes selection more difficult but a few girls definitely put their hands up to secure a place in the Inter-pros in a few weeks time. Overall a little bit of inaccuracy and inexperience was the difference between the two sides today but we will learn from our mistakes and come back stronger.”
The team and management would like to thank County Cavan RFC for hosting the game, the facility and pitch were immaculate and the hospitality was fantastic. Our thanks also go to USRFR official Shane Toolan & Peter O’Hanlon and of course, Connacht, who we will meet again in a few weeks’ time in Galway for the second leg of the Senior Inter-provincial Series.
Ulster Women's Fixtures: Senior Inter-provincial Series 2014/15
Ulster v Munster, Saturday 6th September kick off 15.00, Kingspan Stadium
Connacht v Ulster, Saturday 13th September kick off 15.00, Sportsground
Leinster v Ulster, Saturday 20th September kick off 14.00, Ashbourne RFC