Match Report: Clondalkin Women 27 vs 12 New Ross, Leinster AIL Qualifier League Div 1
Clondalkin Womens Rugby hosted New Ross in this Leinster AIL Qualifier League Division 1 match in Gordon Park Kingswood on a day that was ideal for rugby after the extreme weather conditions of late. New Ross won the toss and elected to play towards the club house. After dealing with early pressure Clondalkin worked their way towards the New Ross line and their efforts were rewarded with a penalty on 5 minutes for handling in the ruck which outhalf Gael Stowe successfully converted – albeit with the assistance of both the right upright and the cross bar. Both sides then settled into an excellent tough game of rugby trying to break through each other’s defense. The first success fell to New Ross who scored just to the left of the Clondalkin posts with the conversion also being successful. This goaded Clondalkin into extra effort and following a well worked move scrumhalf Brid Holohan touched down near the left corner flag on 35 minutes which put her side back into the lead. This lead did not last long with New Ross working their way down the pitch and after being awarded a series of penalties, a quick tap allowed them to touch down to the right of the posts. The referee soon after blew for half time with Clondalkin trailing New Ross by 8 points to 12.
After a rousing team talk at the break, Clondalkin stepped up a gear. Making their way into the opponents half through the hard work of the forwards, the ball was worked out to the left wing, Jenny Hunt, who from the opponents 10 meter line had a lot to do but purposefully made her way to touch down in the left corner for her first try for Clondalkin. Clondalkin now felt that this was their day and continued to apply the pressure. Their reward came on the 20 minute mark with their second centre Aine Heffernan collecting the ball just on the half way line. Straightening her run she sped towards the New Ross line only to be tackled just short of the line by 2 opponents but had the presence of mind to turn on the ground and reach over the line to touch down for a try – which was also her first for Clondalkin Womens Rugby. Gael Stowe was successful with the conversion.
New Ross continued to make a game of it but on 33 minutes, outhalf Gael Stowe cut through the New Ross defense from all of 40 meters, and despite some close attention from a number of opponents touched down for a well-deserved try which she successfully converted. This was to be the last score of the game with Clondalkin running out worthy winners 27 points to 12 which was warmly applauded by a sizable home crowd. This season has been a particularly challenging one for Clondalkin with a lot of effort producing little reward which made this victory even sweeter. This bonus point win lifts the Clondalkin Women off the foot of the table with a renewed hope for the remaining league fixtures. Their next game is away to Old Belvedere on Sunday January 24th followed the next Sunday by the final league home game against Edenderry – your support is always welcome!
