Away Win For Ballincollig Women

Ballincollig Women’s team travelled to Tuam to take on the Connacht representatives in the All Ireland Division 2 League.

Tuam got the ideal start with a strong defensive line and strong tackle as well as being very competitive at the breakdown. Both teams were evenly matched up front however Ballincollig showed a slight advantage in being able to break through the Tuam backline time after time.

The opening score of the day came from outhalf, Aoife Hurley who managed to run wide around the defence to touch down right of the posts.

The second score came from a well organised pack that bullied their way up the pitch edging ever closer to the try line. Good rucking and communication allowed Captain Ger Gallahue to pick and go at the base of the ruck just 2 metres from the line, and power her way over the white wash to bring the score to 10 points for the visitors.

A great individual effort was made by Roisin Kehoe who had a brilliant game on the wing. Roisin was solid in both attack and defence for Ballincollig and proving to be very effective for Ballincollig. Dancing her way through the initial Tuam defence, cutting in and out to confuse the tacklers, her speed got her over the line without being caught by the chasers.

Along with Roisin, a number of others stepped up to the plate and did very well in this close game, front row Michelle Kelleher, Claire McSweeney as well as winger Linda Kennedy and centre Jess Kelleher.

Tuam got possession from the restart and put pressure on the Ballincollig defence, working their way over and back across the pitch they were awarded a penalty for a Ballincollig player not being able to roll away in the busy ruck.

Their strong front row ball carrier collected and thrundeled her way over the line, right on the touchline. This was not converted. The score now, Tuam 5, Ballincollig 15.

With minutes to go in the game, the final attack came from Ballincollig working the support play and offloading into the game, which was rewarded in 5 points, when a well cleared ruck allowed Siobhan O'Leary to throw herself over the line to touch down on 79mins. Final score Tuam 5 – Ballincollig 20.

A great win away from home for Ballincollig in the second last league game of the season and great effort by all involved. The win now puts them into 6th place in the league.

The final game of the season will see Ballincollig take on Galbally on Easter Saturday (23rd April) at 12:30 at home at Tanner Park and all support would be greatly appreciated.

If you are over 14 years of age and are interested in joining Ballincollig RFC please email ballincolligladiesrugby@gmail.com for more information. Please note that new members are always welcome and no experience is required.