Galwegians run Railway close

GALWEGIANS sent out a serious statement by running Railway Union desperately close, but Old Belvedere, Railway and title holders, UL Bohemians, continue to set the pace in the Women’s All-Ireland League, writes Katie Byrne.

Fourth-placed Galwegians were left kicking themselves after losing a game they should have won, according to head coach Fraser Gow. They were pipped 17-16 by Railway in Glenina, where the hosts added a pushover try from a dominant scrum to three first-half penalties.

Despite a top display from Denise Redmond and Orla Dixon’s tackling, the hosts were overhauled, with Siobhan McCarthy making an impact off the Railway bench.

Susan Vaughan and Emma Taylor struck for tries, adding to Niamh Byrne’s earlier effort, with Nikki Caughey’s conversion also crucial.

Belvedere dished out a nine-try 53-0 beating to bottom-side St Mary’s to move top.

Jemma Jackson helped herself to a first-half hat-trick of tries, while Elise O’Byrne White and Fiona O’Brien finished with braces and Nora Stapleton and Claire McLaughlin also touched down.

UL Bohemians defeated Blackrock 40-33 at Stradbrook in an 11-try thriller. A four-try start was key to Bohs’ bonus-point win.

Ciara Griffin scored two tries, while Michelle Claffey scored three for Blackrock, who had an impressive debut from ex-international Jackie Shiels.