Despite the strong winds, rain and even hail stones battering the girls, Cooke’s cup season commenced on Sunday 3rd February against City of Derry.

Cooke started strongly with Cathy Craig scoring a try within the first seven minutes of the game followed closely by Nicola Dixson touching the ball down after a bright pick and drive from the breakdown. Speedy winger Laura Stewart was next to jump on the band wagon, skilfully gathering the ball and gaining a further try for Cooke. City of Derry were strong up front and credit must be given to their Number eight (and Captain) Glenda Fleming who demonstrated good contact skills and made some sturdy ball carries. However, Cooke’s Cathy Craig was not content with just one try and before the whistle blew for half time, ran in a further try.

Although Derry showed glimpses of attack, primarily through their forwards via their lineout and maul, Cooke continued to prove too strong for the side with Lucy Fagan placing another five points on the board for Cooke as well as converting three tries with her outstanding boot (a very difficult task bearing in mind the pressure which the harsh weather put upon her)
Cooke’s forwards kept City of Derry in their own half for the majority of the second half of the game and a magnificent kick and chase from Laura Nicholl resulted in another try for the team. Cooke’s Number twelve; Imogen Porter played an extremely strong game, making some striking runs and was next to get her name on the score sheet before getting the ball right back up to the try line again for fellow team mate Rachel Boyd to place the finishing try.

Recognition must go to both teams for persevering on such a treacherous afternoon and congratulations to Cooke for their overwhelming win and although City of Derry did not get any points on the board played they played with physicality and determination.

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.

Congradulations to Jess Limbert (hooker) for making the starting fifteen and to Amy Davies (wing) for making the twenty two for the first time (one of five uncapped players to make the international cut this year).
We are very proud of you girls, its a priviledge to train and play with you as you bring your experience, skill and passion to every game and were sure you will continue to show such enthusiasm to the international set up. We wish you all the best for fridays game and the rest of the fixtures!
Come show your support to the Cooke girl and the Women's international squad as a whole. The first game kicks off verses Italy at St Mary's RFC at 2.30pm on friday the 1st feb 2008!

Cooke Women’s Rugby Club took time during their competitive season to entertain touring U.S team the Milwaukee Panthers at their home ground, Shaw’s Bridge.

Cooke being the only women’s rugby club in Ulster to boast a position in the esteemed All Ireland One division stepped up to the mark last weekend to take on the undefeated U. S state champions: - The Milwaukee Panthers as the American side embark on a tour around Ireland.

The Cooke team is comprised of a number of provincial players and so the girls donned the Ulster jersey in order to mark the occasion. From first kick off the Ulster club dominated up front and within the first eight minutes the girls mauled the Milwaukee team to their line for Cooke’s Nicola Dixon (lock) to gain an early try.

From that point the posts were set and a high-quality, intensive and tough game ensued. Cooke’s back row pacified the pacey Panthers with pairing of scrum-half; Suzanne Fleming and fly-half; Heather Thomlinson making good use of the possession the forwards were gaining and combined with centre Laura Nichol they kept the American side on the back boot throughout the first half.

The second half was of a similarly high standard and despite some strong running from the American side; the Panthers were no match to the experienced Ulster club with Thomlinson's kicking relieving any pressure. To confirm Cooke’s conquest, Laura Nichol gained a superb try within the last twenty minutes of the match.

A great game, with a good social dinner in the Club house afterwards with food, drinks and a fun raffle.