BOYNE ..................................................... 5

ENNISKILLEN LADIES ................................. 0

Enniskillen Ladies faced a tough trip to Division One opponents Boyne on Sunday in a second round cup tie, and despite a fighting performance succumbed to a five point defeat, with Boyne scoring the only try of the match.

Boyne, featuring six inter-provincial players went on the offensive from the start and soon had Enniskillen under pressure defending their own line.

Boyne's forwards re-cycled the ball well and ran through the phases, ultimately stretching the defence and creating gaps out wide, but excellent defensive work and some try-saving tackles by Marcella McGovern, Harriet and Shirley Parke, Imelda Leonard and Clare Brogan kept the hosts at bay for long periods.

Illness and unavailability meant that Noreen Nethercott and Etna Flanagan were missing, both influential players. Ballyshannon girl Caryn Lewis again responded to Enniskillen's call taking her place on the wing, with Enniskillen's original captain Andrea Hodgson returning to fill the other wing berth in the team's time of need, and both contributed with excellent performances in the circumstances.

Boyne's try, when it came, was disappointing given that their centre, who was proving more than useful, managed to break through a number of weak tackles, probably the only ones of the match, and cross the line despite Martina Boyd's last ditch tackle.

Enniskillen's forwards competed well and their scrummage caused the hosts problems throughout, even managing to steal the ball against the head. All this was in spite of an injury to Corinna Power, but Corinna is not one to lie down and bravely battled on before eventually giving way to Aideen O'Reilly in the second half. Boyne's Irish international flanker was impressive but as a unit Enniskillen restricted her influence on the game.

The second half was a complete turnaround with Enniskillen putting the pressure on their hosts and spending long periods camped in Boyne territory. The lineout was a source of some excellent possession, particular from Marcella as the No.4 jumper.

Imelda Leonard provided some excellent positional play as Enniskillen probed at the Boyne defence, and Aideen was showing her ability to drive at the heart of the defence with some great 'pick and goes' in the loose, but the Boyne defence was standing firm, and even the hard but silky running of the Parke sisters could not break through.

Enniskillen will face Newbridge who play in Division Two (South) on March 4th.

Next up is a return league fixture against Armagh on Friday night. The ladies have already defeated Armagh this season, 32–7, and will be keen to do the double over their opponents to maintain their league position. Following this, the ladies have a fundraiser in the clubhouse when Randy Rogers, in association with Stringfellows London, presents 'The Full Monty', followed by a disco. Tickets are available and any ladies interested in attending should contact Corinna on 07779 665229.