THIS time last year CYM Women were hurting from a semi-final defeat to Athy RFC. This season, however, the squad are preparing for a Division 4 final against Old Belvedere.
Having won four and drawn one of their pool matches and topped the group, CYM earned a semi-final appearance last week against their local rivals, St Mary's RFC, who were runners-up in their group.
Played at CYM's home grounds in Terenure, the conditions were perfect for open rugby, but instead it was a game full of close-quarters tackling. CYM were first to score following a break down the far right by winger Karen Sciberras, but this was followed by a prolonged period of pressure from St Mary's.
But that pressure was in vain, as CYM's full-back Brenda Healy scored against the run of play.
Mary's pressure eventually paid off as they scored under the posts to bring the scores to 12-7.
But CYM went on to seal the victory with two well-worked tries from Cait Twomey and Rachel Horan, with captain Diane McIlhagga adding two conversions and a penalty. Final score 27-7.
The final takes place this Saturday, January 25, in Edenderry Rugby Club, kick-off at 12.30. A large crowd from CYM are expected on the day and hopefully they will have something to cheer about.