HISTORY was made on Saturday as the Annan Warriors defeated Garioch Ladies 2nd XV 39-24 to lift the National Plate at The Hive Stadium, Murrayfield.
Annan took to the turf in the Scottish capital for their first national final since their formation back in 2014.
The Warriors walked out onto the Hive Stadium pitch to the cheers of the large band of Annan supporters who had made the trip.
The start of the first half was a nervy affair as both teams adjusted to playing in a national final on an artificial pitch.
It was the Warriors who settled that little bit better though, and it was no surprise when Kirsty Barlow crossed the whitewash for the first try of the afternoon.
Nicole Jancey stole the ball from the Garioch attack to set up the try. She almost made the try line but her sister Kirsty was on hand to get the ball over the line.
In the next 30 minutes the Warriors were on the wrong end of a few penalties and two quick Garioch tries and a conversion took the score to 5-12 to Garioch after 32 minutes.
However, a great move from the backs and after a number of phases, number eight Kayleigh Warrick barged over for the Warriors’ second try of the match.
And it got better not long after as flying winger Barlow grabbed her second try, Mally McGeoch successfully converted.
In the second half it was still anyone’s game. Garioch scored early, the conversion was missed, however, and it was all square at 17-17.
There was no more scoring until the hour mark when scrum half Niamh Ross was on hand to cross the line, McGeoch scored the conversion.
McGeogh then made a fabulous run down the left wing to add a try of her own.
But Garioch Ladies hit back, the Warriors defence was caught napping and the Garioch players eased through to make it 29-24.
Any nerves were settled not long after when Barlow got her hat-trick try to take the score to 34-24.
Shortly after this the team’s all time top try scorer Jane Haren sealed victory with the final score of the match following a great run.
It was a great match and a great result for the Warriors who picked up their second bit of silverware in their 11 year history, the other being the National One title a few years back.
Congratulations are expressed to all the players and coaches on this amazing result, and to Nicole Jancey for picking up the player of the match. Thanks are expressed to the amazing Warriors support and commiserations go to Garioch Ladies 2nds.
Warriors head coach Colin ‘Choc’ Warrick said: “What a day, the Warriors were fantastic and I couldn’t have asked for more.
“We set out back in January with the target of making the final starting off on a freezing, wet Park Farm and finishing in the sunshine at the Hive, the Ladies never stopped.
“It’s been a long time coming and all the players deserved their moment.
“A massive thanks has to those who made trip to cheer us on, the noise coming from the stands was amazing.”
Backs coach Calum Heughan said: “It was a fantastic all round performance by the Warriors. They gave the travelling support a great final to enjoy”
Warriors team manager Tracy Whiteside added: “It was a day to remember. We believed and they delivered, all our dreams came true.”
