UL Bohs Secure Terrific Treble

UL Bohemians added the final trophy of the season to their Munster Senior Cup and All-Ireland League triumphs to secure a tremendous hat-trick of Women’s senior titles for 2016/17.

Mike Storey’s charges were beaten just once during a season that encompassed the newly-expanded All-Ireland League format of 14 games for each team, showing themselves worthy winners of all three titles in a special year for women’s rugby.

On the Athlone pitch, winger Liz Burke opened the scoring, dashing down the flank after 14 minutes for UL Bohs’ first try of the game which was converted by place-kicker Edel Murphy for a 7-0 lead.

Five minutes later, Sarah Hartigan crashed in under the posts for the second try, and again the reliable Murphy was unerring with the conversion.

Blackrock hit back through their breakthrough star of the season, Eimear Corri, the Portlaoise teenager engaging turbo speed down the right wing after a good passing movement among the backs to give the Dubliners five hard-earned points.
The scores remained static for the remaining 15 minutes of the first half but UL Bohs extended their lead three minutes after the restart when Chloe Pearse, playing at number 8, was in possession of the ball when the pack rumbled over the line. Again Murphy, who also stars as the Kerry Ladies Gaelic football goalkeeper added the two points to stretch the lead to 16 points.

It did not last long, however, as Carmela Morey responded with Blackrock’s second try of the game on 50 minutes. Good play from both teams kept the supporters entertained and Burke grabbed her second try – and UL’s fourth – when crossing the whitewash in the 63rd minute to make it 26-10 to the league champions.

Blackrock refused to give in and continued to scrap hard for scores with Niamh Griffin putting her name to their third try, which was converted by Michelle Claffey. However, time ran out on ‘Rock’s comeback and it was Bohemians who tasted the victory champagne at the final whistle – for the third time this season.

“It was a good, open game of rugby between two strong teams,” remarked UL Bohs’ John Keane. “It is great to end the season like this, winning all three competitions and losing just one match during the entire season.”