Abbeyfeale Celebrates First Senior Women’s Competitive Match

The Abbeyfeale Senior Women’s Rugby team recently took to the field on home turf for their inaugural competitive match in the Munster League.

The team which only assembled approximately two months ago, faced tough opposition from a strong and experienced Fermoy side.

Support for the home team was evident with many well-wishers lined up on the sideline ready to cheer on the local ladies.

Abbeyfeale began with a nervous start conceding three tries in the opening quarter of the match but soon found their feet and fought back well.

The defence from both sides was impressive with set pieces also well executed. Near the end of the first half Fermoy broke the line once again giving a half time score Abbeyfeale 0 Fermoy 20.

The second half saw a more confident Abbeyfeale side wtih Corina O’Connell going over the try line and sending the Abbeyfeale fans into a frenzy. In a controversial decision the try was disallowed claiming she was in touch resulting in a lineout. Lorraine Scanlon immediately scored a try with Bridget Cahill failing to convert.

Abbeyfeale never gave up and fought on. Their hard work was again rewarded when Lorraine Scanlon went over for her second score. Unfortunately Bridget Cahill narrowly kicked the conversion wide.

The belief was starting to set in but time was against the team. Fermoy broke the line in the last few minutes giving them their fifth try, the final score Abbeyfeale 10 – Fermoy 27.