Munster’s Women’s Teams Lead the Way

There were some huge wins for a few first division sides in the Women’s AIL over the weekend while in the second division there were some closely fought affairs.

In Division One, champions UL-Bohs continued their winning start with a 46-0 win over neighbours Shannon. Tries from Fiona Coughlan, Caroline Mahon, Louise Beamish, Nicole Fitzgerald, Mairead Kelly, Sarahjane Coady and player of the match Patrique Kelly sealed victory to ensure that they have the maximum return from their first two games.

In Cork Highfield just about got a bonus point in their first outing of the season as they dismissed Galwegians 23-5. A first half try from Munster captain Marie Barrett and a penalty from Norita Duggan saw Highfield lead 8-0 at the break. Nuala Ni Chaidhain got a try back for Galwegians early in the second half but three more touchdowns from Highfield, including one from excellent hooker Chris Fanning, sealed the bonus point for the home team.

The result of the day though belonged to Clonmel who beat Boyne to secure their first ever Division One victory. The newcomers to the division scored tries through Bernie Corrigan (2) and Niamh Briggs who also added the converts and two penalties sealing a fine win, to prove that they won’t be just making up the numbers in the top tier.

Blackrock also secured a second bonus point in the space of a week with a hammering of Cooke on a 53-0 scoreline.

The second division games proved to be much closer affairs with a few games coming down to just one score.

Visitors Ballincollig just edged out Waterpark on a 12-10 scoreline in Ballinakill. Nicola Scully scored a try on her debut for Waterpark with Louise Landers getting the other but it wasn’t enough to stop Ballincollig from picking up their second league win in a row. Tries from Aoife Deasy in the first half, converted by Gemma Crowley and a second half try from Karen Fitzpatrick sealed the win.

St. Mary’s beat Newbridge by just a point when they won out a tight game 13 points to 12. Navan were the winners in their clash with Malahide as they scored three tries. Their scores came from Lynda Hennessy and Ciara Kennedy, who got two, with the scores all converted by Aoife Ryan.

Old Belvedere also had a tough game in Dublin – this time against Trinity, who they managed to beat 11 -8. Nora Stapleton got their try and Elaine Cohalan added convert and a penalty while Trinity’s eight points came from a Jane O’Neill try and two Marie Therese O’Callaghan penalties.

In the North Carrickfergus got a fine win over Derry as they scored four tries from Nikita Armstrong, Jolene Cloghey, Jo Bell and Louise McAuley.

Women’s Rugby Results:
Division One:
UL Bohs 46 Shannon 0
Clonmel 25 Boyne 0
Highfield 23 Galwegians 0
Blackrock 53 Boyne 0

Division Two:
Waterpark 10 Ballincollig 12
St Mary’s 13 Newbridge
Old Belvedere 11 Trinity 8
City of Derry 0 Carrickfergus 25
Navan 21 Malahide 5