The Festival of Fun which was organised by Enniskillen Rugby Club and supported by Ulster Rugby Development Department, saw ten teams take part from all over Ulster including City of Derry ladies who only formed a mere six weeks ago. They were able to field two mixed age touch rugby teams (non contact rugby).  With teams travelling to Enniskillen from Donegal Town, Ballyshannon, Malone, Armagh, City of Derry and The Eastern Barbarians (mix of Cooke and Lisburn RFC’s), the festival was played on a sun blessed day which saw the 10 teams take part in a blitz format with two groups of five teams.

It was City of Derry ladies who showed that experience was not always required when they played in the first ever games. Both teams did very well against well established teams. Half way through the competition the girls from Derry were able to watch a demonstration of Under 18 contact rugby, which showed them what the Derry Coaches are aiming for the up and coming season. It was an impressive display of rugby by the new comers. Commenting on the display by the ladies Coach, Rodney Balfour said “Today has been a great site to see the ladies enjoying themselves so much in something that we never thought would happen so quickly. It was only six weeks ago when we started and we did not know what sort of turn up we would have. Training from week one has gone from strength to strength with an average of 50 ladies turning out to training on Mondays and Wednesdays at the club. The future for Ladies Rugby at City of Derry looks bright”.  City of Derry would like to thank Enniskillen for making it an enjoyable day for all.

On Saturday 23rd June, City of Derry ladies will be hosting their own Maiden’s Mid Summer Madness festival of rugby,  when it is expected to see teams travel from all over Ulster to part. It is hoped that this will be a full contact competition for over 18’s and Under 18’s. If you would like to join the City of Derry ladies rugby team, training continues through the summer on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7pm until 9pm.  All new members are welcome. No experienced required.