’Drum beaten by Tullamore
Poor start hurt home side
ON Sunday Rathdrum faced an energetic Tullamore side for the first time. Tullamore, having recently progressed from Division 2 were ready for battle and started strong against Rathdrum.
Tullamore attacked hard and with vengeance. It wasn’t long in the first half before a scrambling Rathdrum defensive line was broken and Tullamore scored in the right corner.
Rathdrum were perhaps not their usual selves with ball in hand and a well-drilled Tullamore defence pressured the home side.
However, from a scrum in the Rathdrum half, the ball was spread wide to full back Orla Redmond who was quick to show the true class of the Rathdrum backline easily splitting the Tullamore defense to score just left of the posts, converted by captain Mo Dowling.
However, Rathdrum were soon under pressure again as Tullamore attacked with more energy than the home side could seem to muster up.
It was from a scrum that Tullamore found their next score, a solid pick and go from the no. 8, coupled with a Rathdrum defensive blunder saw the Tullamore’s number eight touch down just right of the posts. Rathdrum were unlucky to lose two players to injury and one to the bin before the half time whistle.
Tullamore were awarded a penalty try for what the ref deemed a high tackle to finish the half.
Despite player losses, Rathdrum started the second half, much to the shock of Tullamore with far greater intensity. Rathdrum were unlucky not to capitalise early with several last man passes falling astray.
Despite the best Rathdrum efforts, it was Tullamore next to score, from another scrambled defence on the Rathdrum try-line, Tullamore found space on the outside to touch down their fourth and bonus point worthy try of the day.
Rathdrum captain Mo Dowling answered soon after, again stepping her way with ease through the Tullamore defence.
However, it was not enough and Rathdrum will leave the game knowing they are capable of far more than the display they presented on Sunday.
The women now regroup before their next game on October 9 against old rivals Edenderry!
Squad: Steph Ward-Windsor, Hannah Fennell, Aine Geoghegan, Nikki Fennell, Aoife McGrath, Noelle Ward, Steph Burch, Ann-Marie Burke, Lisa Cahill, Mo Dowling (C), Caitlin Olohan, Sammy McCoy, Sue Brady, Heather Cullen, Orla Redmond, Anna O’Neill, Neasa Olohan, Heidi Keogh.
This Friday the women are holding an open training session at 7pm in the Ivy Leaf Grounds. This training session is suitable for all abilities and is designed for women to give rugby a try.
Training will be followed by a social event.
For any further information please contact Kellie: 086-179 2793