Hilary Cawood
DOB: 17th May 1974
BIRTHPLACE: Belfast
HEIGHT: 5′ 7″
POSITION: Inside Centre (12)
HONOURS: 10 Ulster Caps
Hilary has played eight years for Carrick Ladies, one year for Cooke and had a year off to give birth to her daughter.
When and why did you start playing rugby?
Around 2001 I think, I was having a pint in Carrick Rugby Club with my husband one Saturday afternoon when the ladies team came round to run a ballot. I’ve been interested in rugby for years, my dad played and so did my husband but I never knew Carrick had a ladies team – they invited me to training and I thought, why not?
Most memorable match that you played in and why was it memorable?
It would have to be against Armagh about 6 years ago. We had a bit of a score to settle at the time, and the match was very close, only a few points in it right to the end. Armagh were in front, and we scored a try in the last 5mins of play to bring us level, then our 10 secured the win with a brilliant kick – everyone was jumping and leaping about the place! We celebrated well that night!
Least memorable match. Do you have a match that you’d like to forget?
Probably the matches were I get injured. Injuries are inevitable, but most of them have been minor – normally dents in my pride and confidence! Rugby is so much more than a physical sport, you have to be mentally ready for a game otherwise you might as well not be there.
Toughest opponent. Who and why?
I’ll never forget the big prop from Leeds!
Worst roommate. Any amusing story about rooming with anyone when away?
Actually, I’ve been pretty lucky with roommates. There’s probably more stories about me than anyone else, so I think I’ll pass on this question…
Longest in the changing room. Who out of all her team mates takes longest getting ready after a game?
There’s usually 3 of us last out of the changing room, me, Yana Tweed and Susie Cavan. The girls actually bring extension cables so that the hair-dryers and straighteners reach the mirrors! (Who designs changing rooms these days anyway?)