Toughest game of the season for super Senior ladies
WICKLOW 14 MU BANRHALL 0
ON a dull damp day in Ashtown lane the Wicklow senior ladies team were facing into one of their toughest matches of the season so far, with the visitors, MU Barnhall, having a very impressive run of results so far.
The Wicklow girls showed their intentions straight after the kick off, winning a scrum in the first minute but unfortunately lost the ball forward handing possession to Barnhall. After a Barnhall knock forward, Wicklow won the next scrum too and brought play to within the five-yard line, piling on the pressure to Barnhalls defensive line, which held strong and after some hard, physical play, the ball was cleared. This looked like it was going to be a hard fought match from both sides, as both teams were out to prove a point.
Wicklow built up slowly and gained some ground into Barnhall territory and were awarded a penalty for a high tackle. The penalty was taken quickly and Rachel Griffey broke through the defensive line to score Wicklow first try after five minutes of play. The conversion was kicked successfully by Ciara Patrick.
Seven points up and Wicklow were settling into their game, with some good well practised moves but Barnhall defence was tough to break through. Rachel Griffey again broke through and made a break for the line and touched down but the referee deemed it to be held up by a Barnhall player. Wicklow seemed to have a slight edge and a bit more of a confident attitude.
Credit to Leanne Sullivan (Wicklow,) who stepped in as scrum half at short notice. The game was evenly matched with some hard knocks and big tackles coming from both sides, with Wicklow getting the lions’ share of territory.
Kayleigh Sullivan broke away up the left wing and her run looked promising but she was pushed into touch which saved a certain try. The ball was won by Barnhall and moved wide.
Leah Fisher made a big tackle, forced the Barnhall centre backwards by about 10 yards and then turned over the ball which was passed out to Ciara Patrick who scored under the posts. Ciara then successfully kicked her second conversion. Thirty minutes into the match and Wicklow were 14 points up.
This boosted Wicklow and with a big kick from Megan Parkinson, chased by a very fast Kayleigh Sullivan, pressure was again being applied to the vistors and play was now within 10 yards of their try line. This resulted in a good attacking position for Wicklow from the lineout. The ball was won and passed back but a knock on by Wicklow gave away possession and Barnhall could breathe a sigh of relief.
The first half ended with two teams playing hard and resulting knocks and bangs were taking their toll on the players.
The second half kicked off with Barnhall, to their credit, showing that the game was not yet finished as far as they were concerned. Play was tough and physical, with Barnhall gaining territory into Wicklow’s half and always threatening to score. To Wicklow’s credit though their defence was strong.
Every time Wicklow cleared the ball, Barnhall always came back hard and determined, and it looked like it was only a matter of time before they could break down the defence and score their first try. But it wasn’t to be, Wicklow held firm and with luck on Wicklow’s side and some errors from the opposition, Wicklow were spared and continued to keep their line safe.
Play continued in this style for the remainder of the second half, Barnhall applying constant pressure, Wicklow standing firm.
The final result in Ashtown lane was Wicklow 14, Barnhall 0. The score line doesn’t reflect the amount of possession that Barnhall had in the second half, although they only realistically threatened to score once or twice.
This was a really tough match for both sides, with some bodies certainly looking for a week to recover from the big knocks and tough tackles.
Wicklow remain top of Division 3, extending their lead to six points over Balbriggan.
Next Sunday they take on local rivals Arklow at Ashtown Lane on Sunday in what is sure to be an exciting encounter.