Enniskillen Ladies 41 Belfast Harlequins Ladies 0

The weather was yet again kind to the Ladies on Sunday afternoon at Mullaghmeen with fast-flowing rugby the plan from the coaches.

Harlequins have had a tough start to the season already with a number of key players injured.

The Enniskillen ladies didn’t let them off the hook from the start as debutant Nadine Hunter caught the kick-off and stormed up the pitch, connecting with Sophie Barrett, who then set the ball up for the backs.

With Ellie-May Maguire’s quick passing, this set Farrah Cartin McCloskey off on a barnstorming run which ended up with the first score of the day, nicely under the posts. Farrah added the conversion; 7-0.

It was only a few minutes before Farrah’s centre colleague, Zara Flack got herself on the scoresheet, again with some more dominant work from Sophie Barrett and the impressive Rebecca Beacom which meant Zara could score; conversion missed, 12-0.

A number of small, niggly injuries for Harlequins cost them a player but it was dominant forwards play that allowed Rebecca Beacom to crash over the line and scored the third try; unconverted, 17-0.

The first half was brought to a close with a lovely individual try by Zara Flack who was loving the space in the midfield. Conversion added by Farrah 24-0 at half time.

A very unfortunate injury for Aoife Keaney, who had been having a superb game, meant the start of the second half was delayed somewhat, and after the number of injuries sustained by the Harlequins ladies, there was a nervousness about the start of the half.

Nonetheless, it was Player of the Match – Sophie Barrett – who broke 45 metres to the line but was two metres short, but the excellent Rebecca Beacom was there to support and pop over the line for a try which Farrah converted; 31-0.

The next try came from lovely play from the whole team which saw Zara Flack score her hat trick try and was unfortunately not converted; 36-0.

The last play of the game actually came from the restart kick-off which was caught brilliantly by Farrah inside her own 22, and she glided and stepped her way the whole length of the pitch to score out wide against a beaten but eager Harlequins team.

The match was a great response to the defeat last Saturday away to Queens, and good preparation for the tough challenge of Dungannon Ladies next Sunday.

Our thoughts remain with Aoife Keaney, and we wish her all the best.