Amazons can’t clip the Falcons’ wings
ARKLOW AMAZONS 12 PORT DARA FALCONS 52
AFTER a cagey start from both Arklow and Port Dara Falcons with trying to get their bearings in wintery conditions on Sunday at The Oval both teams settled into the game.
Gaps began to open up for the opposing team, putting their first try and conversion over within the first 15 minures.
Lead from the front by Arklow’s Captain Rachel Cooney, they knew they had to tighten up and return back to basic rugby.
After a few handling errors by the opposition it put pressure on the Falcons. Front row hooker Louise Murphy made several strong breaks running at pace through the defence line causing dominant rucks and scrum half Kiri McLoughlin to let fly the ball out to Arklow’s backs Tara Gavigan, Suzanne Tyrell and Claire Nicholson to dash up the field only to unleash the ball to Rachel Cooney who drove the ball over the try line.
An attacking lineout gave Arklow Amazons the perfect platform to regroup their tactics and Samantha Byrne went over for a try after breaking through Port Dara Falcons defence line.
Work rate in the solid scrums and sturdy ball carries from Kelly Ann Conroy and offloading to the props Lauren Messitt and Lorraine Dunne added the extra oomph to the Arklow side.
Fresh legs and speed factor were introduced in the second half with Arklow substitutes Dee Buckley Earls, Megan Cullen and Melanie Muedder in the backline and Rachel Bolton made an impact in second row providing more strength in the scrum to keep the pack moving forward.
The Amazons will dust themselves off and play again next Sunday away to Barnhall. Tries from Rachel Cooney and Samantha Byrne and one conversion by Kiri Mc Loughlin brought the final score line to 12-52 to Port Dara Falcons.
The team would like to thank the team physio/medic Sally-Ann Hudson for her assistance to any injuries on the day and they are also very grateful for all the continued home support on the sidelines too. Training nights are Wednesday and Friday from 7.30pm. All new members welcome.