It was a weekend for big reversals as City of Derry Women reversed a 0 – 48 defeat in the league against Ballynahinch last weekend to an 8 – 3 win in the Ulster Women’s Junior Cup semi final at Judges Road on Sunday afternoon.

This time round the Derry team were able to call on experienced players, Kelly Gormley, Lizzie Ballentine and Kelly McCarter, to form an all Ulster back row, and with Michelle McLaughlin in the front row, plus Cíara Ó Mórdha and  Ciara McGurk, in the back line they had all their big guns playing with the added luxury of Rachel Lennox on the bench.

In a tight game it was the experienced heads that made the difference with Ó Mórdha landing an early penalty and McGurk crossing for a try in the first half.

Alexa Grudgings responded with a penalty for Ballynahinch, who pushed throughout the game for a second score, but the Derry line held firm to progress to the final where they will face Malone Women, who recorded a 17 – 47 win against Co Cavan Women in the other semi final.

Picture credit – Beth Cregan.

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