In order to keep up momentum in the run up for cup season to commence; Cooke Ladies hosted a friendly against Dublin side Old Belvedere last Saturday!

The fun started before the fixture with some of the girls selling raffle tickets in order to be pro-active in raising funds for the Women’s side; raising a total of £210 which paid for the post-match function and will contribute towards their accommodation when they travel to Galway. The ladies wish to thank all those that showed their support and hope that they will be shown future support in such FUNdrasing advents so watch this space!

Back to the actual fixture…With Cooke’s Rachel Boyd (infamous for stealing ball and being consistently superb at the breakdown) playing for the opposition the Cooke Ladies knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game. However, with winger Laura Stewart scoring an early try and Scrum half and captain; Suzanne Fleming displaying her expertise and experience; evoked a calming authority over the girls as they began to compose themselves.
Old Belvedere demonstrated great equanimity in the rucks and lineouts; turning the ball over on several occasions allowing Nora Stapleton to make some sparkling runs two of which resulted in tries for the Dublin based team.

The second half of the match was an entirely different game. Cooke picked up the pace with some great breaks from Centre Cathy Craig and Number eight Imogen porter hitting some lovely lines. Although Old Belvedere’s Elaine Cohalan tried to placate Cooke with some strategically placed and powerful kicks, as well as converting her own try it was a forwards affair for the Cooke team with Cooke’s Emma Lowe scoring a try early into the second half and fellow prop Lauren Day scoring not long afterwards.

After the match both teams retired to the club house for well earned dinner and drinks before all heading into Belfast for a friendly night out. Hopefully this occasion will mark the start of a growing friendship between the two clubs.