ERGS hope for back-toback Cup triumphs
THE girls of Enniskillen Royal Grammar School (ERGS) will be looking to make it back-to-back Schools’ Cup triumphs when they take on Assumption Girls Grammar School in the decider on Monday, March 25. The Kingspan Stadium clash brings together the reigning champions against the newest team to reach the final and the Fermanagh school will be hoping previous experience counts on the day.
For a large number of this 14-player squad, this will be their third season in a row attending the marquee final at the home of Ulster Rugby.
Two years ago they were narrowly beaten by Erne Integrated College in an epic 9-8 final score. They did however get their names on the trophy this time last year when they defeated Royal School Armagh 10 -2 and therefore this year they take to the pitch to retain their trophy.
Co-captain, Aimee Ross, said it was a great achievement to be back at Kingspan for a third time and said the side is looking forward to the challenge: “We definitely have big boots to fill and with that comes some pressure however our motivation and teamwork this season hasn’t wavered and we continue to keep an optimistic mindset.”
Her fellow captain, Olivia Black echoed those sentiments: “It is a huge achievement getting to the final again this year but it just really shows the work and the commitment of our coaches and the whole lead-up to the final - all our blitzes and our matches we have played throughout the season- have really paid off. We brought every team to the line and we know that Assumption are going to bring us right to the line on Monday.”
Olivia has played Ulster Sevens with Assumption captain Tara O’neill and is well aware of the dangers O’neill and her side will bring on Monday.
But she is hoping that having been there and done it before will give ERGS an advantage.
“We want to go and win it and if we play how we played all year and just play our game hopefully the scoreline will reflect that on the day.
“We have the experience of playing at Kingspan behind [and it is] maybe more to our advantage than Assumption. This is their first-ever year making it to the final.
“They will come with challenges. They’ll
Suzanne Fleming Cup