UL Win Women’s Varsity Title

The University of Limerick Women’s Rugby team wrapped up a wonderful season by recently winning the varsity title in the Carlow Institute of Technology.

UL now holds every trophy available in Colleges Division 1 Women’s Rugby; retaining the varsities and league titles within a week and also winning the CUSAI 7’s last October.

The side were hot favourites to win this two day competition which they have now won 12 years out of its 13 year history, with UCC looking to cause an upset after a close league final encounter which UL came out on top with a score of 7-5.

UL had a strong first day at the varsities last Thursday beating NUIG 35-10 in the first game before coming up on top of UCC 12-0.

Ashling Hutchings was the star of the show on the first day, scoring 6 tries in two games with her trademark display of deadly pace and vision of the game. Sarah Jane Cody, Bronagh O’Donovan and Laura O’Mahony were also on the score sheet with Ailish Toner kicking the conversions and penalties.

The UL forwards dominated at scrums and lineouts throughout which set up the pacy backline throughout the competition. The UL forwards’ work rate was immense with Mary-Rose Flanagan, Leah Barbour, Sarah O’Sullivan and captain Fiona Reidy shining over the 2 days.

In the final against UCC, UL dominated all aspects of the game in the first half when they had a strong wind in their favour. Sarah Jane Cody was first to touch down after UL put serious pressure on UCC from the kick off, Toner converted.

Hutchings was next to score for the defending champions after a well worked lineout and great hands by the backs. Claire Keohane then added another five points after a clever chip and chase she beat the defenders to score under the posts.