We covered the season opener between Cavan & Belfast Harlequins on Sunday past. With some of the players hearing of their Ireland call up and Ulster Players dotted across the pitch on both sides it was some game!
Below is a clip of an immense forwards explosion of a try + interview with coach & captains comment from Claire McDermot & official match report – ENJOY:
Clip Of Forwards Try:
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CLICK HERE For 181 Pictures Free To Download
I am delighted and honoured to be taking over captaincy of the Cavan Ladies Rugby team this season and would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of last year’s captain, Cathy King. The ladies team is going from strength to strength, gaining in confidence, knowledge and experience.
It is great to see the return of so many players from last season conveying the commitment, dedication and determination of the girls as Cavan Ladies progress further up the table and hopefully get their hands on some silverware. I would like to congratulate Briget and Hillary on their success with the Ulster team as well as Caroline, Kathleen and Jackie on making Ulster development squad. I hope other girls on the team will follow their example and have the same success. I would also like to welcome all new players to the team and to the club, in particular, the under age girls who are showing great enthusiasm and potential.
I would like to acknowledge the continuous support we have received from the senior players, Committee, our sponsor Donal Keogan and our coaches.
Finally, I’d like to wish the entire Ladies team a successful and enjoyable season 2011-‘12.
MATCH REPORT
The Cavan Ladies welcomed the Belfast Harlequins to Swellan Park on October 2nd, in what was an eagerly anticipated season-opener for both teams.
Harlequins have a much improved side from last year, with two of their back row up for Irish selection after a great Ulster interprovincial season and enough numbers for not only a ladies senior team but a development side as well. Cavan knew what they would be up against with two of their forwards, Hilary Quinn and Brigid Reynolds, playing for the Ulster senior squad and three more, Jackie O’Halloran, Kathleen Dawson, and Caroline O’Reilly, playing for the Ulster development side.
Action started well with a strong Quins back line pushing the Cavan ladies into their own 22. Great forward action and kicking from Ellen Cahill at ten cleared some of the pressure but Cavan were soon back into their 22, despite the dynamic play of Deirdre O’Reilly at full back. A penalty was conceded by Cavan and Nicki Caughey converted to put the score 3-0.
It wasn’t long before Cavan were once again caught out in open play and Nicki Caughey ran through the back line to score the first try of the game which she converted to put up the score 10-0. With those points made within the first 15 minutes, Cavan would not concede any more the entire game.
Cavan were deadly in the scrum with Emer McBrien hooking well. Brigid Reynolds at 8 and Hilary Quinn at 9 easily broke the game line, picking off the back and surging forward. Christina, playing her first game for Cavan, showed great spirit tackling well off the back of line outs and bringing down the opposition number 9, Zoe Templeton.
In the second half, Captain Claire McDermott, Cathy King, Yvonne Courtney, and Grainne McDermott held the ball well in ‘pick-n-go’s, pushing forward with great continuity rugby, phase after phase. The forwards continued to creep up the field and a quick tap and go off a penalty gave Caroline O’Reilly the position she needed to push the ball over the try line for Cavan’s first try of the season.
Conditions on the field were wet and muddy which slowed the game down throughout the second half. The Quins found the back line defense of Kathleen Dawson, Theresa, Emer Ryan, and Elena Farrel impenetrable.
The game ended simply without anymore points scored but great team play. Although Cavan conceded defeat 10-5 they took comfort in their improved shape and overall form. They look forward to next weekend’s game vs. Kildare.
Clare McDermott, Emer McBrien, Caroline O’Reilly, Grainne McDermott, Christina, Cathy King, Yvonne Courtney, Brigid Reynolds, Hilary Quinn, Ellen Cahill, Theresa ??, Kathleen Dawson, Emer Ryan, Elena Farrel, and Deirdre O’Reilly
Claire McDermott
