’Drum prove too good for gallant Wicklow

RATHDRUM RFC WICKLOW RFC 27 17

WITH the Wicklow Division 2 side out of action this weekend, the spotlight was on the new development squad. The Rathdrum side kicked off and went on the offensive immediately. The Wicklow line was under pressure and despite some great defensive tackles from Heidi Keogh and Debbie Higgins, Rathdrum battled over the line.

The Rathdrum game plan was simple but effective. Strong running, quick passing, and excellent lines. Megan McConnel was in at 10 for Wicklow and was fearless in her tackling and prominent in her support play. Leah Coffey, outside her in second centre, had a huge game. Between the two of them they thwarted attack after attack at Rathdrum. In the pack, Leah Fisher led from the front and gave a great display of both offence and defence.

It was a home debut for a new addition to the Wicklow side, Tiva Pilko, who has impressive experience of the sevens game. She was superb defensively, especially at the breakdown where she secured several turnovers for Wicklow.

Rathdrum continued their attacking campaign in the first half and ran in three tries for the half from Brittany North, Lynda Woolmington and North again.

They produced more of the same in the second half, quick at the breakdown and secure hands.

Pam Mahar broke through the Wicklow defence and a great support line from Tanya Carter saw her sprinting for the posts. She scored and Clarisse Broughan added the conversion to keep Rathdrum’s lead stretching. The next score was also to be Rathdrum’s with debutant Bekah Pile coming from the back of a scrum, the defensive line was no match for her power and she added the last Rathdrum score of the day.

Wicklow rang the changes after suffering a couple of injuries. The boisterous Sarah Gleeson made an impact, her strength to break tackles were to bear fruit.

Gleeson opened the space for Leanne Sullivan who raced towards the line and passed to Maria Collins who finished off a fine play.

Within minutes Wicklow scored again, this time it was Chloe Traynor who broke down the wing. She was tackled metres away from the line but managed to get the ball away to Alana Sheridan to run it in towards the posts. Leanne Sullivan converted.

The last try of the match for Wicklow involved a great piece of individual play from Sarah Gleeson. She made the initial break, kicked the ball ahead and showed super pace to beat the last defender and fall on the ball over the line. The final whistle blew after the conversion attempt, leaving the score at 17-27

This was a learning experience for Wicklow, at times their handling and defence let them down. They were up against an impressive Rathdrum side and will benefit from the experience gained. s