Newly formed Enniskillen Women open up their campaign with a win

The newly formed Enniskillen Women’s team began their Premiership campaign with a home game against Omagh Ladies at Mullaghmeen on Sunday.

A few new players and one or two key player injuries meant that nerves would play a big part in the opening stages, but after 20 minutes of trading blows, an exquisite side-stepping run by Farrah Cartin McCloskey got the Fermanagh girls on the scoreboard.

Such a balanced run from 40 metres out really impressed the large crowd gathered to support both teams. The conversion hit the post and rebounded; 5-0.

The backs were really starting to enjoy the conditions and this was demonstrated after crash balls from Moya Hill, Sophie Barrett and Aisling Maguire resulted in quick ball for new scrum half Sarah Mullen to fire wide to Cora Balfour and then to Zara Flack, who rounded the defence to go in behind the posts from the 22.

This was converted by Farrah Cartin McCloskey; 12-0.

The nerves had started to drift away and some of Skins’ Ulster-experienced players really started to turn the screw, and this was displayed by the super try scored by Sophie Barrett to close the first half when she smashed over the line from a great pass from Rebecca Pennell. Conversion missed; half time, 17-0.

The second half started with much more belief but Omagh also got into their stride and another 10 minutes passed before the scoreline changed.

This time it was more forward advances by the two Kellys that made the break, and then Zara Flack was released on the left to go over the line to bring the score to 22-0. Farrah converted to leave it 24-0.

Omagh never for one minute lay down, and their own debutants really played great stuff, but yet again it was another of the U-18s players from last year that crossed the line for the try.

Moya Hill, Captain on the day and Woman of the Match, showed both her speed and strength to go over for a superb try. A close miss on the conversion left the score 29-0.

With both teams tiring and the match drawing to a close, there were gaps appearing in defensive lines. The Omagh ladies took advantage of this and scored a very well deserved try out wide, but the conversion was missed; 29-5.

It was fitting that Enniskillen had the last word, and it was again great collective work by the forwards and a lovely offload by Rebecca Beacom to put Moya Hill in for her second try.

Conversion added by Cora Balfour.

It was a wonderful day at Enniskillen for female rugby, and great friendships were made amongst the girls and ladies.

The next challenge will be a tough one away to Queens on October 8/9.