Dominant U-14 girls storm into league final
ARKLOW NAAS 61 5
ARKLOW’S Under-14 Girls took on Naas at home in their league semi-final last Saturday.
Having beaten Naas in the league already the team were confident but always cognisant of a backlash against the travelling team.
Naas travelled in strong numbers and looking at their warm up there was apprehension amongst the Arklow support.
This was quickly dispelled when Grainne Flynn crossed over after a terrific break from the half way line soon after the game started.
Flynn was then successful with the conversion.
This was then followed up when Lara Prestage got on the end of a brilliant No. 8 break from Jane Neill to cross over. Again Flynn was successful with the conversion.
Before Naas could compose themselves Prestage completed a sweeping move to barge over once more. Naas then came into game and defended well leaving the score 21-0 at the break.
At the beginning of the second half centre Celine Murray crashed through the midfield to run 40 metres and score under the posts.
However to their credit the Naas side would not give up and crossed over for a try of their own after a period of sustained pressure on the Arklow line.
However, Becky Vickers restored Arklow’s dominance when she showed great strength to score soon afterwards.
The finest try of the day was probably saved for midway through the second half.
Leah Hersee received the ball from the Naas kick off inside her 22.
Beating the first defender she quickly set off on mazing run stepping inside two more defenders and outpacing the entire Naas team.
The Arklow team was now growing in confidence. Right wing Emma Keane demonstrated her pace by leaving her opposite number in her wake and stepping inside the full back to score under the posts.
With minutes remaining Grainne Flynn completed another fine sweeping move after a fantastic steal from Jane Neill.
Despite all the tries Grainne Flynn only missed one conversion leaving the final score at 61-5.
This was a fantastic team performance from a side that literally improves with every game.
Those that did not get on the score sheet worked incredibly hard in defence and creating space for others to score.
Arklow now take on a very strong Tullamore side in the final in Athy Rugby Club on Saturday, April 14.
This is a mammoth task for this side but one they are very much capable of on the basis of this performance.
But they will need every bit of support they can get. Stick the date in the diary!!