Enniskillen were thrilled to welcome just about everyone involved in women’s rugby in Ulster and with the rain holding off and the main pitch in excellent condition the day proved to be a huge success.

    Three highly competitive matches took place to decide the final standings in the League and the winner of the Rosie Stewart Memorial Cup.

    As it was the last round and clubs had only one match to play it was decided to extend the playing time to an hour and encourage teams to field 15-a-side if possible by borrowing a few players if necessary. Some of the fitter and more enthusiastic girls played in all three matches!

    First to play were hosts Enniskillen and Queens. Enniskillen at this stage in the competition needed a win plus a bonus point to be in with a chance of achieving second place in the table.

    Skins started off well and immediately had the oppostion pinned inside their 22 but where denied a score by some excellent defensive work by Queens.

    Continued pressure however finally led to Skins No. 8 Martina Boyd going over for the first points of the match.

    Skins appeared at this stage to have the game well under control with the set pieces working well and the backline making inroads into the oppositions defence at nearly every opportunity. Scrumhalf Noreen Nethercott took full advantage of the gaps and added the second score for Skins.

    It was the last ten minutes of the match that Skins let the game slip from their grasp. At this stage they were still on the attack and looking for that third try and all important bonus point, but a lack of concentration allowed Queens to turn the ball over, their winger quickly collected a spilled ball and raced in under the posts. By adding the extras this brought them well and truly back into the game.

    With only a minute left to play Queens somehow managed to do exactly the same thing leaving a stunned Skins wondering what had just happened. Failing to convert this time the jubilant Queens side didn’t seem to mind as they had just won their first match. Final score 10-12 to Queens.

    This result left Armagh in a strong position to secure second place. They took to the field next playing Carrickfergus. Armagh’s surprise win over Lisburn in the last round left them in the same position as Enniskillen but as earlier games had shown nothing was a certainty!

    However this game went more or less as expected with Armagh quickly putting points on the board. Losing players at the beginning of the season has left Carrick struggling to maintain their usually good standard. Final score 28-5 giving Armagh a good win and a bonus point.

    Lisburn and Cooke were the last to play. At this point Lisburn needed a win and a bonus point to tie with Cooke at the top. Failing to secure any points at all would mean they would drop to third place overall.

    With a menagerie of players from all the clubs including Skins second row Lyndsey Gibson, Lisburn played bravely but never looked like threatening the more experienced Division One club who won comfortably 32-0.

    Cooke were presented with the Rosie Stewart Memorial Cup by Adrian Stewart, Rosie’s husband and Johnny Neary, Chairman of the Ulster Women’s Rugby Commitee. Members of Rosie’s family were also present.

    Armagh finished in second place, Lisburn third with Enniskillen dropping to fourth. With more games being planned for next year the tournament will undoubtedly be even more competitive.

    Skins first competitive season is nearing an end with two remaining fixtures and the final left to play in the AIL Division Three North. The squad travel to Carrickfergus on Sunday 28th for a return match which Skins should win comfortably. Then the girls take on Armagh on Friday 2nd April at Mullaghmeen.

    Regardless of the outcome of both these games, Skins have already done enough this season to secure their place in the league final on April 11. This will take place at a neutral venue to be decided on by the IWRFU.

    Most of the girls will be keeping themselves active over the summer months with the Mixed Touch Tournament taking place at the club from May 19 to mid July. Anyone interested in entering a team should contact Willy Gibson on 07970790103.