Ballymena RFC Senior Women bid for Shield glory this Sunday

BALLYMENA Senior Women take on Ophir this Sunday (April 28) in the final of the Suzanne Fleming Shield tournament at Eaton Park (2.00pm).

It has been a remarkable season for the Braid side - and more so since this is only their second season in existence!

This term they finished a most creditable third in the League.

They also have three players at Ulster Under-23 level (one has been promoted to the Ulster Senior side for the upcoming Inter-Pros), and a player moving up to that level after top performances with Ireland in the Under-18s Six Nations.

Head coach, Scott Dowds-Moffatt, told Guardian Sport that their journey to this weekend’s final has not been an easy one.

“At every stage, we have been faced with opposition from Championship A, which is the Division above us and that is the case again with the final, when we will meet Ophir RFC,” outlined Dowds-Moffatt.

“Although they play in the Division above us, we have done our homework on them.. They play a particular brand of rugby which is very physical.”

The Head coach said they have tailored their preparation accordingly and will be focussing on contact and the breakdown with emphasis on the counter ruck and turnover and pillaring up.

“That said, we don't plan to defend all day. We want to play with the ball. We have potent attacking options near, wide and through the mid field so we plan to keep them guessing and to move them around the park,” he said.

Dowds-Moffatt said the mood in the Ballymena camp is positive as they prepare this week for Sunday’s showdown.

“The culture is something special, ...... a real friendship through rugby.  We have individual brilliance within but there are no egos. There is a clear understanding that we need each other in order to fulfil our potential,” explained the Head Coach.

“Each brings something unique to the dynamic and this synergy means that as a collective we are greater than the sum of our parts. And this extends beyond the playing squad, to management as well as the coaching and backroom staff.”

Dowds-Moffatt knows Ballymena go into the final as underdogs - but said they are “quietly confident in our own abilities.”

“We are relishing the challenge. Let’s just see how it goes for us on the day,” he said.

Ballymena Women have been short-listed for 'Breakthrough Team of the Year', 'Team of the Year' and 'Club of the Year' in the upcoming Local Women - Northern Ireland Sports Awards,

Captain Ciara

Captain Ciara Fraser recalled that at the start of the season all she wanted was for the team to get a win.

“So, to finish this season in a final is fantastic! This is all down to the commitment and hard work that everyone has put in over the past year,” outlined Fraser.

“Our team always welcomes new members no matter what their experience in rugby is and we support each other through the ups and downs. This group ethos has definitely contributed to our successful season. There isn’t a better bunch of girls I’d rather lead out onto the pitch, and hopefully bring home the shield to Ballymena, to top off an amazing season.”

Women & Girls Convenor Áine Fraser told Guardian Sport she could not be more proud with what the team has achieved this season.

And she paid special tribute “for the support and dedication of all our coaching staff, Club Directors, parents, and extended families and of course our players.”

“It is this support that has helped us reach the stage of now having a Senior Women’s Team at Ballymena RFC and I am excited for what the future holds for them,” she said.

“We all wish our ladies the best in their Shield Final. We’ll all be there cheering you on.”

Admission to the Shield final on Sunday is FREE!l

There will be a coroporate lunch before the final.

* The Senior Squad is comprised of experienced rugby players and players new to rugby, some of which are accomplished at International or County level in other sports.

Others are new to sport completely.

It is a squad, rich in talent and diversity that thrives in a truly inclusive culture.

New players are always welcome, as are enquiries from any businesses interested in supporting the team.

Ballymena Women’s RFC thank their sponsors (Women & Girls) for their ongoing support - Pirtex, Lynn & Brewster, Fourtowns Farm, Village Blinds & Shutters and James McNeill Auto Electrics.

If interested in giving Women or Girls rugby a go, or if there are any businesses that would like to support the Senior Women, please contact Áine on 07809761028 or email ainefraser72@hotmail.co.uk