Resounding victory for Wicklow women
WICKLOW BARNHALL 65 5
ON a sunny but breezy day in Ashtown lane the Wicklow RFC Women’s squad made their debut in the second division of the Leinster league. It was a resounding win for the Wicklow side, who were sporting their new, sponsored jerseys. Their opponents were a gutsy Barnhall side, who should be much stronger when the sides meet again later in the season.
Barnhall kicked off with the wind at their back. Wicklow started nervously and for the opening ten minutes were on the backfoot, struggling to get out of their own half. There were a few early knock forwards and conceded penalties, however the lineout was functioning well.
A period of messy play turned out to favour Wicklow as Ciara Patrick scooped up the ball off the floor with one hand and kicked ahead twice, eventually jumping on the ball over the line to give Wicklow their opening score. Patrick added the extra two and moments later converted a penalty kick to put Wicklow up by 13.
This settled the Wicklow side into the game and they put together some good attacks, Vicky Rice and Rachel Griffey made ground with strong runs.
Wicklow were working their way up the pitch and the pack did well to set up a ruck just short of the try-line, Meagan Parkinson spotted the gap and sniped through for a converted try.
The scores kept coming from Wicklow with Parkinson scoring again, then Megan McConnell displayed some great strength to touch the ball down in the corner, holding a defender off. Hannah-Rose Buckley scored the last try of the half, following a number of quick passes out to where she waited on the wing, she ran 60m down the touchline and touched down under the posts. Score at half-time 34-0
The second half started brightly for Wicklow, Meagan Parkinson scored her third try of the match which was neatly converted by Leanne Sullivan. Amy O’Neill made a strong impression with some immense ball carrying and tackling throughout the match. Following a good Wicklow scrum and quick hands Kayleigh Sullivan went over for a try.
Barnhall went through a purple patch for about ten minutes, attacking relentlessly. Wicklow’s Alana Sheridan was in at full back and was immense in defence, stopping try after try. Megan McConnell also lent a hand in stopping Barnhall from scoring on a number of occasions. However, Barnhall persisted and eventually got their reward with a hard-earned and well-deserved try. Wicklow received a yellow card which forced them to work harder for the following ten minutes. They rose to the challenge and an excellent kick and chase saw Kayleigh Sullivan cross the line again, with the extras added by Leanne Sullivan. This was followed up quickly by Rachel Griffey’s converted try, scored after she ran a great support line off a break. Leanne Sullivan scored an outstanding try in which she displayed great determination to cross the line and beat Barnhall’s defensive efforts. The final whistle was blown moments after Wicklow’s final try, to leave the final tally standing at 65-5.
Wicklow can take away many positives from their opening league game of the season. The scrum showed what it could do at times and the lineouts were solid. The strength in the back row teamed with the half-backs set up an exciting attacking platform.
A great start to the league for Wicklow, but they will be aware there are tougher contests yet to be played this season.
Wicklow Scorers - Tries: C. Patrick (1), M. Parkinson (3), M. McConnell (1), HR. Buckley (1), K. Sullivan (2), L. Sullivan (1), R. Griffey (1).
Conversions: C. Patrick (3), L. Sullivan (3).
Penalties: C. Patrick (1).