Thurles Women Reach All Ireland Plate Final

Thurles women’s RFC booked themselves into the All Ireland Plate Final against St. Marys on 2nd April with their 21-15 win over City of Derry in Derry last Saturday.

Thurles Women's RFC v City of Derry

Courtesy of:- Brian Scanlon, Thurles PRO

Both teams got off to a nervous but determined start and Thurles, for probably the first time this year, started strongly. Some strong carries by the front rows Jean Ryan and Megan Callanan gave Linda Ryan go forward ball. Laura Carroll was particularly impressive for Thurles with two fantastic carries within moments of each other. Catherine Kearney and Maria Woodlock putting in some impressive rucking.

The first score of the game came from Ashling O’Hagon, who had a fantastic game. After three phases, Thurles managed to suck in the Derry defence, quick ball to the back line, with a fantastic offload from Niamh Coman in the centre to Ashlingput the fullback under the post to settle the visitors. Megan had no problem converting and Thurles took a 7 – 0 lead.

Derry were determined to score from the re-start and they forced Thurles to give away the ball when they were making ground. Thurles upped the tempo with Maria whelan and Miriam Harrison making great ground in attack.

Early in the second half Thurles were on the attack and scored within the first 2 minutes of the second half with Ashling O’ Hagon touching down for the second time. Megan had no problem slotting over the conversion. Thurles seemed to be progressing nicely. The visitors were dominant for a brief while but a determined Derry went on the attack again forcing Thurles players Angie Kelly and Maria Whelan to put in fantastic tackles. A wonderful defensive passage of play with Linda Ryan putting in a solid tackle allowed possession to come to Laura Carroll who made great ground. GemmaDunican, Aisling Byrne and Kirsty Harris put in some wonderful passes and drives to make good ground.

Substitutions Rebecca Byrne and Sinead Kilcare gave Thurles some fresh legs but Derry where not going to ly down, and had their purple patch. They scored three unanswered tries within 20 minutes. Luckily for the Tipperary side all the conversion attempts were missed. The score was very different going into the final quarter 15-14 to the home side.Thurles were once again forced to defend with both Miriam Harrison and Maria Woodlock putting in fantastic tackles. A penalty for Thurles allowed Megan Callanan to clear the ball and take the pressure off. A wonderful lineout ensued and Thurles were once again building an attack with fantasticcarries from Jean Ryan and Ciara Dwyer.

Thurles third try came from Megan Callanan. Thurles were beginning to play their style of rugby, carrying the ball strong and making space for the backs. A huge carry from lauracarroll, ment derry had to scrabble back in defence, giving room for Megan to pick and go at the side of the ruck and touch down just to the side of the post. Megan duly convertedher own try and Thurles were now 21-15 ahead. However, possession was once again lost to the Derry side that were eager to score and would have done so were it not for the magnificent defensive play from Laura Carroll and GemmaDunican. The following ten minutes saw the sides swap possession a number of times. Although Thurles were missing some key senior players, the younger girls showed massive determination.

With ten minutes remaining Derry were not prepared to give up and went on the attack from the re-start but with Thurles firm in defence they were unable to score. Thurles spent the last 5 minutes defending right on their try line, with Derry needing a converted try to get a win. Thurles showed great character to keep the home side out. The visitors had travelled a massive 6 hours the night before and this was a fantastic result to get. Well done to all.

The Thurles RFC women now play St. Marys in the AIL Plate final on the 2nd of April at Old Belvedere, Anglesea Road, KO TBC.