Brave effort falls short for gutsy Greystones
TULLOW RFC GREYSTONES RFC 34 19
THE Greystones under-14 girls travelled to Wicklow RFC on Saturday morning for a much anticipated encountered against Tullow RFC in the final of the Conference Cup. Greystones finished third in the League, while Tullow finished top and unbeaten, so Greystones were always the underdog for this one.
The sun greeted the teams as they arrived in Wicklow RFC and after the usual warm-up and ref check the match kicked-off at 12.30pm. Tullow were quickly into their stride and scored the first try after breaking through the Greystones defence and which they subsequently converted.
The stats for the year looked to be holding true as Greystones struggled to get hold of the game, despite having the lion’s share of possession and struggled to get out of their own 22 for much of the early part of the game. Tullow capitalised on some poor passing and decision making by Greystones during this period and went on to score a second try putting the Greystones side under immense pressure.
But with true grit and determination, which the Greystone girls have in abundance, they fought back, piled on the pressure by driving through the Tullow defence and scored a try much to the delight and relief of the coaches and supporters alike.
Greystones went on to convert and followed it up with another try just before the half time whistle to finish the half with both teams level at 12 all.
This was exactly what Greystones wanted and they went out into the second with everything to play for.
The second half started as the first half finished with both teams battling hard and fair for the ball and much credit should go to the ref who let the girls fight it out but who also ensured it was done legally and fairly.
The first score of the second half was always going to be crucial and Tullow to their credit had recomposed themselves during half time and built pressure and scored within five minutes of the restart.
However Greystones put the heads down and wrestled the upper hand away from Tullow with strong carries and passing from the forwards, to set one of their players free to score under the posts and which was then expertly converted to put Greystones into the lead.
This was short-lived when the Tullow backs with their crisp passing and hard fast running left Greystones scrambling a bit and went on to score two unanswered tries, with the final score 34-19.
Tullow were the better side on the day, and all year to be fair to them and were deserved winners, however, credit must go to the resilience and determination of the Greystones side who never gave up, and kept battling for every ball right to the final whistle.
The Greystones girls while disappointed were very magnanimous in the defeat with their captain Moya Kelliher, congratulating ‘Tullow on a great match’…… but acknowledging ‘its hard to lose’.
Womens rugby in Ireland is in good shape with such fine young players from both teams on display.
Greystones would like to thank the following for a very memorable day: Wicklow RFC for hosting the final and their hospitality, Tullow for a great match and finally their fantastic supporters who really got behind the girls on the day and cheered them on.