Two Cooke Ladies Make the International Squad for the Six Nations.

Congratulations to Jess Limbert (hooker) for making the starting fifteen for the Ireland v Italy game. Jess scored her first international try in the match; off the back of an aggressive Irish maul.

 

Congratulations also go to new girl on the park – Amy Davies (wing) for making the twenty two for the first time. Amy achieved her first cap in last weekends game – having just turned 22 that week. It must have been quite a birthday treat!

 

It was a great win for Ireland; winning 19-0 against the Italian side. However, whether, the girls had won or not Cooke would have been equally proud of our girls. It is a privilege to train and play with both girls as they bring their experience, skill and passion to every game and we are sure they will continue to show great enthusiasm in the international set up.

We wish them the best of luck for the rest of the fixtures!!

Cooke Ladies v City of Derry

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 line up in downpour.  

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.

Early pressure at the scrum.

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 look for quick ball.

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.

Cathy Craig goes over for the first 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.

Final score – Cooke 46   City of Derry 0

 

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Cooke Ladies v Old Belvedere

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 on Saturday 26th January!

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  Emma Lowe scoring a try early into the second half and fellow prop Lauren Day scoring not long afterwards.

Final score Cooke 17   Old Belvedere 17

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.

Cooke and Old Belvedere Players