Clonmel Women Storm to League Victory

After a two week lay off Clonmel continued their winning ways romping home in style with a 10 try victory over Shannon. In wet and windy conditions Clonmel recorded their finest victory in division 1 so far this season.

Clonmel 66-0 Shannon

From the kick off Clonmel put Shannon under pressure as the Limerick side conceded a penalty in their 22 and a quick tap and go resulted in a converted try by Niamh Briggs. Again constant pressure by Clonmel resulted in a try being held up and from the resulting scrum Shelia Comerford drove over the line with great support from her pack. A great catch by Natasha O’Keefe from the kick off was off-loaded to Catherine Kenny and a beautifully weighted pass to Niamh Briggs allowed her to run under the posts for a converted try. Again Clonmel asserted pressure that had Shannon retreating all the time and great interlinking play from the backs and forwards allowed Natasha O’Keefe to storm over for a try that was converted. This try secured the bonus point for Clonmel and for the remainder of the half the played some smart attacking football and further tries from winger Bernie Corrigan and full back Rebecca Hallahan-Doocey – her first for the club took Clonmel into the break 33-0 ahead. The only concern on Clonmel’s behalf was the loss of centre Sadhbh Dromey through injury that occurred after an unbelievable hit on her opposing centre who looked quite shook after it!!!

In fairness to Shannon they never gave up and put Clonmel under pressure straight from the kick off. The defense held firm and a great break from Mairead Lyons was well supported by Bernie Corrigan who in turn passed it to out-half Niamh Briggs to go over for a try which was duly converted. Aisling Kenny at scrum-half was having an excellent game providing good ball to her backs and forwards and it was her clever switch in play that led to Niamh Briggs going over for a try. The Shannon pack were tiring while it seemed that Clonmel were only gaining in strength (a true testament to our pre-season training!!), spotting this the pack drove at their opposite numbers in abundance and it reaped dividends as Kate O’Loughlin powered over for a try in the corner that was also converted. Sensing Shannon’s weakness a well taken lineout was mauled over the line and touched down by former Shannon player Jean Lonergan and as the ball sailed over for the conversion the referee called time on what can only be described as terrific performance from the Clonmel Ladies in a game which saw every player from one to nineteen play with such hunger and flair. Next up sees the visit of Ulster side Cooke and hopefully a similar result awaits us!!       

Tries:  Niamh Briggs (4), Shelia Comerford, Natasha O’Keeffe, Bernie Carrigan, Rebecca Hallahan-Doocey, Kate O’Loughlin, Jean Lonergan

Conversions: Niamh Briggs (6)