Rathdrum Ladies Rugby team, the longest established ladies senior team in Wicklow, got their season off to a flying start…
After a loss against a strong New Ross team, The Drumettes took on the newly formed Arklow Amazons last Sunday in Rathdrum, in Ideal playing conditions in the Leinster Division 4 League.
From the blow of the first whistle, the Drumettes showed great skill, speed and strength as they crossed the try line three times in the first half with great runs being made by Number 8; Ann-Marie Burke, Number 13; Andrena Murphy and new player, Edwina Sawyer.
The visiting team showed great determination against the home team and had some good runs to get the team on the scoreboard. However, the Drumettes experienced defensive back line showed their strength in keeping the visitors in their own half.
By full time, the Drumettes had crossed the try line another four times with tries from Amy O’Neill, Stephanie Ward, Emily Ryan and Christina O’Byrne. Three tries were converted by number 10 Mo Dowling. The final score of the day ended 41-0 to the home team.
Rathdrum Ladies’ pace and commitment was shown on Sunday and the weeks of hard training and fitness is continuously improving the Drumettes form. Training takes place on Tuesday and Thursdays at the Ivy Leaf Grounds Rathdrum where the Drumettes experienced coaches and fitness instructors put the girls through their paces to strive for continuous improvement each week.
Many new players have joined the squad this year and have already gotten on the scoreboard, some of which had never played rugby before until their first training session. The Drumettes now boast a strong dedicated squad which is coached by Neil Short (head coach), Sue Brady, and Johnny Conway.
All player levels are welcome to join the team and give this great sport a go. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be part of a progressive, dedicated, loyal and friendly team. Rathdrum Rugby club as a whole fields 2 men’s senior teams, one ladies senior team, a new Under 19’s team, and a team for all age groups right down to mini’s levels.
The club that plays together also socialises together! A large variety of fundraising and social events take place in the club, so if you don’t fancy playing rugby, come along and support your local team at any of our parties, quiz nights, race nights, and activity days.
All enquires for The Rathdrum Ladies please call the captain, Grainne O’Kelly on 086 3994244. For Mens Senior players, please call the captain Michael Dowling on 087-6735177. For all junior level (Under-17’s and below) please call Ronnie Downey on 087-9890552. For all mini enquires please call Larry Parsons on 087-2823755. For all fundraising enquires and to find out how you can support your local club, e-mail Andrea at rathdrumrugby@gmail.com . Check out the website www.rathdrumrugby.com for match reports and photos!
