ENNISKILLEN Royal Grammar School secured back-to-back Danske Bank Girls’ Schools’ Cup titles with a dominant display against Assumption Grammar School at a rain-soaked Kingspan Stadium, winning 48-5.
The final scoreline reflected Enniskillen’s clinical performance in difficult conditions.
The elements played a significant role from the outset, with strong winds blowing towards the Family Stand and a greasy ball causing handling errors. However, Enniskillen started brightly with Anna Wilson, a constant threat throughout, orchestrating an early attack, finding space on the wing and setting the tone for a strong start.
This pressure paid dividends, as within three minutes, a powerful carry from Freya Brennan brought Enniskillen deep into Assumption’s 22. A great tap and go penalty from Olivia Black resulted in Brennan crashing over the line for the opening try. Leah Irwin’s added the extras, making the score, 7-0.
Undeterred, Assumption responded with a period of possession. Tara O’Neill, a force throughout the game, led the charge, but a resolute Enniskillen defence held firm. A quick turnover saw Amy Meeke exploit space and dot down under the posts. Irwin’s conversion extended the lead to 14-0 within five minutes.
The remainder of the first half was a tight affair, with both teams struggling to adapt to the swirling wind and greasy ball. Enniskillen continued to strive, through Anna Wilson, Freya Brennan, and Amy Meeke, while Assumption threatened through Cara Donnelly and Tara O’Neill. With one minute to go, Anna Wilson launched over the line after a fantastic run. The teams went into halftime with Enniskillen leading 19-0.
HT: Ennsikillen RGS 19 – 0 Assumption GS
Enniskillen started strong in the second half . A delightful pop pass from Olivia Black found Aimee Ross, whose pinpoint delivery released Sophie Moore for a stunning solo try under the posts. The conversion was narrowly missed, but Enniskillen asserted their dominance at 24-0.
Finally, Assumption registered their first points. A well-executed kick-chase from Cara Donnelly led to skipper Tara O’Neill powering over for a try, to make it 24-5.
However, this score only served as a temporary reprieve for Assumption. Enniskillen were quick to respond, with a try coming from Madeline Hamill, and only three minutes later, Anna Wilson secured her second try of the game with a trademark powerful run, extending the lead to 36-5. Both tries converted by Amy Meeke.
Despite the scoreline, Assumption displayed admirable resilience. Tara O’Neill led by example with another impressive run, however it was not enough to overcome the strength of Enniskillen. Leah Irwin showcased her pace with a scintillating break that set up Aimee Ross for Enniskillen’s seventh try of the game in the 24th minute. Amanda Farrell rounded off the scoring with Enniskillen’s eighth try, bringing the final score to a convincing 48-5 win.
This victory marks a remarkable achievement for Enniskillen Royal Grammar School. Their clinical performance in challenging conditions, coupled with individual brilliance from Anna Wilson, Olivia Black, and Amy Meeke, secured their second consecutive Danske Bank Girls’ Schools’ Cup title.
Watch it back!
The Girls Schools’ Cup Final was broadcasted live on Ulster Rugby’s new streaming and on-demand video platform, Ulster Rugby Live.
You can watch the full game back at live.ulster.rugby.
Danske Bank Player of the Match
The Danske Bank Player of the Match was awarded to Amy Meeke, below, after an outstanding performance
Scorers
Enniskillen Royal Grammar (48)
TRY: Freya Brennan, Amy Meeke, Anna Wilson (2), Sophie Moore, Madeline Hamill, Aimee Ross, Amanda Farrell
CON: Leah Irwin x 2, Amy Meeke x 2
Assumption Grammar School (5)
TRY: Tara O’Neill
Teams
Enniskillen Royal Grammar
Victoria Murray, Amanda Farrell, Gemma Elliott, Alex Boyd, Eve Courtney, Sophie Moore, Jane Black, Olivia Black, Aimee Ross, Olivia Beavis, Anna Wilson, Leah Irwin, Amy Meeke, Freya Brennan, Madeline Hamill
Assumption Grammar School
Orla Cullen, Orla Rooney, Lucy McKibben, Caoimhe Sherry, Tara O’Neill, Orla McCaul, Cara Donnelly, Lara Deegan, Erin Hamill, Niamh McMullan, Caoimhe Lavery, Rebecca Blaney, Melissa De Almeida, Grace McStay, Tara Shields
