In a very close match the Belfast Harlequins IIs notched up their third win on the trot against Ballymoney. Quins put pressure on Ballymoney right from the start of the match holding them in the 22 for the first 15 mins. However it was Ballymoney who were able to draw first blood with a try from Laura McCurdy.
The Quins women did not give up however Ballymoney showed why they are such a force with Julie Newton scoring for Ballymoney.
Quins continued to pressure the line and with some strong runs from Kara Swales, Brenda Artt and Max McMorris it was the forwards who eventually broke through to put Quins on the board with a try from Max McMorris. The Conversion from Jenny Waide put the score at 10 – 7 to Ballymoney.
The game was very evenly matched with both teams making some excellent breaks and big tackles! At the start of the second half Julie Newton scored her second try of the day putting Ballymoney further ahead 15 – 7.
The Quins girls showed that they were not willing to give up constantly putting pressure on Ballymoney and this was rewarded when towards the end of the second half. Quins had a scrum on the 5 metre line and they were able to spin the ball out to the win for Michelle Burns to score putting Quins within a score. This knowledge gave them the extra spurt of energy they needed to get a third try in the dying minutes to win the game 19 – 15.
The boot of Jenny Waide was invaluable as she converted two of the tries ensuring victory for Quins.
The Belfast Harlequins Womens 1st XV had a lot to live up to as they took the pitch against Cavan. They started out well receiving the kick off and retaining possession. Some strong running from Laura Ferguson in the centres and excellent handling from the Quins backs saw Nikki Caughey score within minutes.
From the restart Quins showed that they were in the game from 1 – 15 with Sorcha Chipperfield and Claire Knipe carrying the ball well and setting the pace for the forwards. However silly mistakes and penalties meant that the ball was turned over a number of times however the wet weather also seemed to get the better of Cavan. The forwards soon settled the game back down and were able to set a solid base for the backs with Ashleigh Baxter soon going over for the second try of the game.
Jenna ‘Twinkle’ Stewart showed the footwork that earned her the nickname taking the ball from the re-start and dancing her way down the field making 30 metres before being bought down. Quick rucks and solid running saw another gap open up with Nikki Caughey going over for her second try of the day.
The end of the first half was riddled with mistakes and penalties with Cavan able to get 3 points on the board following a kickable penalty.
The second half saw Quins put pressure on the Cavan line however they were unable to capitalise. A number of substitutions saw Quins reinvigorated. A kick from playmaker Jenny Waide almost saw Jenna Stewart in for a try in the corner however excellent defence from Cavan denied her the try. Soon after a loose ball near the line saw Ashleigh Baxter and Zoe Templeton both diving for it – Ashleigh Baxter getting there marginally earlier to be awarded the try.
Cavan were able to get another kickable penalty with Quins discipline getting lax at times. Further substitutions were made and the Quins women continued to press the line with Christine Robb going over for the final try of the game.
The game ended soon after 25 – 6 to Belfast Harlequins.
Player of the Match – Jenna ‘Twinkle’ Stewart
