Momentous day as senior ladies rugby returns to Armagh

IT was a momentous occasion on Friday evening past when City of Armagh Rugby Club’s newly formed 1XV Senior Women’s team had their first fixture of the season.

Having only five training sessions under their belts, and with women with varying degrees of experience, from complete novices to seasoned players, there was an air of excitement and nerves in the changing room beforehand.

Their opponents were Queen’s 2s who compete in the Competition B league.

A number of Armagh’s younger girls attended, providing a guard of honour for the team as they took to the pitch under lights. A great crowd of home support had gathered which was very encouraging and much appreciated for this inaugural fixture.

Queen’s got off to a strong start and continued in that vein for the duration of the game but that didn't phase the Armagh women who continued to play with grit and determination.

There were a number of positives to take from the match and the club will continue to build on these in the weeks ahead.

There are several people organisers wish to thank for making the match and evening overall run smoothly: Mark Herron referee, John and Libby Atkinson for cooking the delicious BBQ post match for the players, Jenni for physio duty, coaches and touch judges, ball boys and finally the players themselves for pulling on the Armagh shirt. Thanks to the Queen’s ladies for making the journey to the Palace Grounds.

The team trains on Friday evenings from 7-815pm. New players are very welcome. Contact Karen on 07791 772 053.