Ulster U16 and U18 Girls sides entertained their counterparts from the American side Eagle Impact Rugby Academy at the Queen’s university playing fields, the Dub on Friday with the USA side scoring 120 unanswered points in two decisive wins.
The girls age grade game in Ulster has failed to push on since the “Invincibles” provincial grand slam in 2016 and it took an additional battering during lockdown leaving the Ulster club game somewhat sparse for fifteen a-side teams in the 14 – 18 age grades. This has resulted in little competitive rugby for these players over the last three years.
The lack of game time certainly showed for the Ulster U16 girls who put in plenty of effort but were well short of the match sharpness required to counter a slick EIRA side with Ulster going down 0 – 67 in the first game.

The game was played over four, 20 minute, quarters and EiRA opened the scoring after 6 minutes with full back Annie Henrich busting through the centre to finish up under the posts. Henrich had a busy afternoon contributing 22 points from 2 tries and 6 convershions.

Ulster struggled to contain EIRA’s impressive centre, Rebecka Balladares, who crossed for her first try ten minutes later and three minutes later the visitors brought the first quarter to a close with a try from Abygail Lambert, the USA side leading 0 – 19 at the first break.

There was only one score in the second quarter with Zaryiah Danielson doing the honours with an impressive finish in the corner. The try went unconverted and EIRA took a 0 – 24 lead int half time.

Despite Ulster’s best efforts the EIRA scores continued in the second half with Heinrich and Balladeries each adding a second try alongside Cecelia Stowers, Carolina Martinez, Davi Ann Pula, Cora Haughey and Katyja Crawford who each crossed for one. Lambert added four conversions to take the final score to 0 – 67 for the Americans.

If we’ve missed or misspelt a scorer’s name drop us a message in the comments section below or via messenger and we’ll correct the report.
Gallery Below
Over 400 images
Ulster U16 Squad
Hannah Lee, Maebh Clerkin, Sadhbh Spratt-Wells, Lauren Whyte, Grace Simati, Lily Reaney, Ciara O’Dowd, Rebecca Anderson, Ella Mark, Anna-Rose McNally, Cara McLean*, Sarah Corry, Lucy Calvin, Beth McBurney, Ruby Starrett*, Anna Sloan, Megan Creighton, Sarah Johnston, Leah Irwin, Kate Farrell, Hannah Lennon, Codie McCloskey, Abbie Alexander, Emily Dickson, Abi Carson, Victoria Bothwell, Erin McConalogue, Orlaith Breen.
*FRU Academy 2022