Women suffer defeat against Suttonians

WICKLOW started this important league game with a following wind.

A good kick and chase resulted in a turnover. The ball went back and forth across the line and Megan Mc Connell scored in the corner, the conversion by Ciara Patrick was good.

Wicklow kept up the pressure from the restart, excellent out of hand kicking kept Suttonians on the back foot.

Another turnover and the ball went out to Leanne Sullivan who crossed in the corner for an unconverted try to lead 0-12.

Suttonians, who were well beaten last week, were in no mood to lie down.

They defended well and Wicklow were unable to take their chances.

Suddenly Wicklow were under pressure, relentless driving saw Sutton touch down and the conversion was excellent 7-12 to Wicklow. Game on!

The Dublin girls’ half backs kept Wicklow on the back foot, breaking and kicking, forwards carrying well.

Injuries were mounting for Wick- low, Megan McConnell, then Ciara Patrick with a nasty nose injury went off.

Suttonians got another two uncoverted tries to lead 17-12 at half-time.

They started the second half as they had finished the first, attacking relentlessly.

Their fourth try saw Ciara Patrick leave the field for good.

Wicklow’s defence, normally a strength, became our Achilles heel. Breaks from scrums and rucks through soft shoulders saw two more tries against us.

In the last 15 minutes there was a Wicklow resurgence, the Griffey sisters were immense in defence and attack but to no avail and the final score was 32-12.

This was a heavy defeat and no excuses for the loss.

The enforced lay off did not help but we are not adjusting our game plan quickly enough.

Defence needs to be worked on and a better kick and chase game developed.

The team is hurting physically and emotionally but they can and will come back stronger.

It will be important to accentuate the positives and work hard on the weaknesses identified. Roll on next week!