With my morning Schools rugby match cancelled at late notice I made my way to Havelock Park with plenty of time to spare for the Women’s Premiership match between Banbridge and Omagh.
The game was played in ideal conditions and the teams got off to a lively start with Banbridge’s Rachel Cairns opening the scoring after 5 minutes. It looked like the first quarter would end with Banbridge leading but the experienced Omagh side timed it just right with Katherine McDowell netting her first of the game just before the break to take the score to 1 – 1 as the teams went into the second quarter.
The young Banbridge side kept up a lively pace at the start of the second quarter with the Cunningham and the Wilson sisters prominent alongside “Ulster U16 Starlet” Alyssia Somerville who was getting some game time ahead of Sundays interpros. However, this was a game where experience came out on top and Banbridge’s experienced striker, Cairns found the net for the second time to put the home side 2 – 1 up.
Four minutes later it was Omagh’s turn to show that class is permanent as the busy McDowell popped up for her second to take the score to 2 – 2 midway through the quarter. Once again the visitors showed perfect timing as Amy McCollum added their third just before half time to see Omagh take a 2 – 3 lead into the second half.
In fairness, the young Banbridge side, who had a shaky start to the season against Queen’s University last week, had a strong second half but they were unable to convert pressure into goals.
Omagh always remained dangerous and carved out a few good chances themselves with McDowell leading the charge. The game could have ended 3 – 3 or 2 – 4 just as easily but there was no further score and Omagh were happy to take the points at the final whistle by virtue of a 2 – 3 win.
Banbridge can take some consolation from the strong second half and that the young side will continue to improve throughout the season.
Match Gallery
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