Wicklow bounce back in style
MU BARNHALL WOMEN WICKLOW WOMEN 0 57
AFTER the defeat to Suttonians last weekend Wicklow were hurting and in need of a better performance on Sunday afternoon. They delivered it.
Barnhall kicked off and won a scrum from a Wicklow knock-on. Undeterred, Wicklow won the scrum and went on the attack.
Fast hands and quick penalties followed. Amy O’Neill drove up the pitch with controlled ferocity throughout the match and on this occasion Rachel Griffey was in support and crossed the line. Leanne Sullivan converted the try.
Wicklow exerted pressure with strong tackling in their defensive line and Meagan Parkinson managed to block down a clearing kick and recover the ball to score a fine try. The extra points were added.
Wicklow will not be happy with their penalty count on the day as they handed Barnhall opportunities to pile on the pressure.
Kayleigh Sullivan relieved the pressure by cleverly kicking down the line to put Barnhall on the backfoot.
Wicklow put in a good chase and won a penalty. They took the quick tap and Leanne Sullivan touched down for a converted try.
Within minutes Wicklow were back in prime attacking position which Meagan Parkinson capitalized on by scooping the ball up, after a strong charge by the pack, and dotting it down for an unconverted try.
The second half saw Wicklow up the ante once more. Some great turnovers and big hits provided the backs with quick ball.
Kayleigh Sullivan finished a nice segment of play by touching down for an unconverted try.
Moments later Leanne Sullivan, who had a fantastic game, was unlucky not to score when she was tackled off the ball, however Alana Sheridan was in support and scored.
Barnhall never gave up and attacked relentlessly. Wicklow were down to thirteen at one stage after two yellow cards in quick succession.
Again, Amy O’Neill was inspirational, her work rate was unwavering and Wicklow managed to clear their lines without conceding.
Alana Sheridan got away for her second after Wicklow stole a lineout in their own twenty-two. Then Leanne Sullivan executed a perfect intercept to run under the posts.
The harder Barnhall ran at Wicklow, the stronger the defense became. Sarah Gleeson and Leah Coffey put in some fearless hits to cease Barnhall’s efforts.
Alana Sheridan’s last try epitomized Wicklow’s performance on the day.
Barnhall put in a kick behind Wicklow which rolled over the try-line, Sheridan chased back and collected the ball.
Passing up the easy option to touch the ball down and take the twenty-two drop out, Sheridan opted to run. And so, she did. She stepped her way out of the twenty-two with great feet and then the afterburners kicked in.
She raced down the pitch and scored under the posts.
Wicklow held Barnhall out until the final whistle leaving the score at 0-57.
The final score may give the impression that this was an easy win. However, that would be unfair to both teams.
Barnhall never let their heads drop and Wicklow worked hard for the win.
Wicklow’s next outing is at home to Westmanstown. There is a lot to build on from this performance and issues, such as the high penalty count, to eradicate.
Wicklow tries: Alana Sheridan (3), Meagan Parkinson (2), Rachel Griffey (1), Leanne Sullivan (2), Kayleigh Sullivan (1)
Wicklow conversions: Leanne Sullivan (6).