The Quins Ladies had an impressive win against newcomers to AIL 2N, NUIM Barnhall. It was a fantastic day for rugby with the Quins Ladies making the most of the excellent conditions to run in 13 tries. Ilse van Staden and Collette Broome were impressive on debut with Lucy Woodhouse, Michele Laffin and Alannah Fowley making a welcome return to the red and blue.
Quins were dominance from the kick off with captain Nikki Caughey scoring within minutes followed by tries to Ashleigh Baxter and Zoe Templeton – the trio quick to stamp their authority on the match. Lesleyann Stirling added the fourth try to ensure that Quins left with the try bonus point and taking the score to 24 -nil.
After a brief stoppage for a head injury, Quins allowed their discipline to lapse conceding a number of penalties before Barnhall scored in the corner taking the score to 24 – 5. The Quins Ladies reasserted their dominance from the kick off and a high tackle from the Barnhall prop saw them reduced to 14 players just before half time.
The second half saw the Quins Ladies continued to dominate the game with tries to Sorcha Chipperfield and Ilse van Staden. The Quins scrum dominated throughout allowing Lesley Megarity and Jenny Waide to let the backs loose and play expansive rugby with Nikki Caughey, Ashleigh Baxter, Lesleyann Stirling and Zoe Templeton all adding to their totals.
It was an outstanding game by all and Barnhall are to be commended for their attitude throughout the game. Final Score – Barnhall 5 – Belfast Harlequins 74.
Tries: Nikki Caughey (4), Ashleigh Baxter (2), Ilse van Staden (2), Lesleyann Stirling (2), Sorcha Chipperfield, Zoe Templeton (2)
Conversions: Nikki Caughey (3)
Penalties: Nikki Caughey
Player of the Match – Ilse van Staden / Lesley Megarity
