On Sunday afternoon Dungannon travelled to Gibson Park, east Belfast to play Malone in a Women’s Premiership League fixture. Because of injuries Dungannon fielded a young, relatively inexperienced side, against a Malone side, unbeaten in the league.
Running from deep, Jill Stevens opened the scoring for Malone after 3 minutes. Peta McAllister drove over, from close range after 8 minutes. Eve Murphy’s conversion put Malone 12-0 up. Shirelle Wilson’s quick penalty took advantage of Dungannon’s positioning and Murphy’s conversion had Malone 19-0 up, after 14 minutes.
Mia Ferguson’s hat trick of tries on 19, 28 and 33 minutes, together with Wilson’s tries on 28 and 37 minutes, completing her hat trick, a Sophie Armstrong try on 39 minutes and a Murphy conversion moved Malone out to a commanding 51-0 halftime lead.
After the break, Stevens 46 minute try and Ferguson’s 50th minute try, together with Murphy’s conversions had Malone leading 65-0.
To their credit Dungannon mustered a response. Having gained a foothold in the Malone 22, Lizzie Ballantine powered over, under the posts for a 55th minute try. Stephanie Lynch’s conversion had Dungannon at 7-65.
Steven’s completed her hat trick on 56 minutes, McAllister grabbed her second try on 56 minutes and Ferguson scored her 5th try on 62 minutes for 80-7.
Dungannon fought gamely but were overpowered by a very coordinated Malone side, who never lost their focus over the entire game.
Match Gallery
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