Wicklow ladies finish strongly to beat Balbriggan

no breathing space whatsoever.

However, Wicklow stood up spectacularly to the Balbriggan attack and won a turnover which was soon converted into a Wicklow penalty as a promising break up the pitch was illegally stopped, resulting in a yellow card for a Balbriggan player.

Wicklow were unable to score during the sin bin period as both sides fought hard for possession in midfield.

When Balbriggan returned to fifteen they were able to score another unconverted try.

However, Wicklow heads never went down, even as the score went to 15-12 in Balbriggan’s favour.

The Wicklow side raced up the pitch to launch a quick restart on the unprepared Balbriggan side.

A strong chase from the Wicklow pack forced a knock on and a well worked set-piece move saw Sarah Gleeson go over the line for a converted try.

Wicklow, encouraged by this try, continued to put in hard tackles keeping the persevering Balbriggan side at bay.

Wicklow gained possession and it was Hannah-Rose Buckley’s turn to launch the ball downfield where Wicklow won the ball back and Meagan Parkinson could break away from the defence to score under the posts. The try was converted.

Wicklow held off Balbriggan’s attacks for the remainder of the match and when the final whistle blew the score stood at 26-15 to Wicklow.

This was undoubtedly this Wicklow’s side best performance of the season, an extremely impressive squad effort.

Wicklow tries: Rachel Griffey (1), Kayleigh Sullivan (1), Sarah Gleeson (1), Meagan Parkinson (1).

Wicklow conversions: Patrick (3). Ciara