City of Armagh Senior Women’s 1st XV secured their place in the final of the Suzanne Fleming Cup after a thrilling 15–12 victory over Omagh in a fiercely contested semi-final on Sunday afternoon.
Armagh made the perfect start in front of their home support. A well-worked attacking move saw Beth McBurney cross the whitewash for the opening try of the game. Katierose Pickering calmly added the conversion to give the hosts an early 7–0 lead. Omagh responded strongly and were rewarded with a try of their own, though the conversion attempt drifted wide, leaving the score at 7–5. Armagh regained momentum before the break and extended their advantage when Pickering slotted a well-struck penalty to make it 10–5 going into half time.
The visitors came out firing after the restart and struck early in the second half with a converted try to edge ahead 10–12, putting Armagh under real pressure for the first time in the contest. The game remained finely balanced for the next 20 minutes, with both sides battling fiercely at the breakdown and in defence. Armagh’s resilience and teamwork eventually paid off in what proved to be the decisive moment of the match. Following sustained pressure and a superb collective effort from forwards and backs alike, the ball was driven over the line by Ellie Louise McCall to restore the lead. The conversion was narrowly missed, but the score moved to 15–12. Tense moments followed, with Armagh’s defensive line standing firm against repeated Omagh attacks. The home side showed composure and determination to see out the closing stages and secure a hard-earned 15–12 victory at full time.
Emily Dickson delivered an outstanding performance throughout and was deservedly named Maxxpresso Player of the Match for her tireless work rate and impact across the park.
Attention now turns to the final, where Armagh will face Ballymena Women on Saturday 14th March at the Affidea Stadium.
