Gallant effort falls just short
Rathdrum defeated away
CYM TERENURE RATHDRUM 24 10
ON Sunday, the Division 4 Rathdrum women had their first match in three weeks away to CYM Terenure. Rathdrum opted to play 13-a-side due to the loss of several players through injury during the week.
As with the Rathdrum spirit, Rathdrum opened brightly. Receiving the opening kick from CYM, Rathdrum attacked the CYM defensive line with intensity, gaining yard after yard.
CYM were not to be thwarted and pushed Rathdrum back down the field.
With both teams so evenly matched, it took 15 minutes for the first score to come. Rathdrum had given away three penaltys in a row for incorrect numbers in the line out.
CYM took advantage and kicked their way down the field and with a strong pack run went over the line. 5-0 to CYM.
This encouraged the young Rathdrum side to get their heads back in the game, with an excellent 30 metre run by winger Laura Kavanagh who was unfortunate to be taken down in the CYM 22.
The forward pack stood up then and with strong runs from Aoife Byrne playing at No 8, they eventually got Lynda Woolmington over the line. Score 5-5.
CYM was not deterred and with strong runs from their forwards and a lapse in the Rathdrum defence saw the CYM winger go in for their second try of the day. Score 10-5.
The Rathdrum forward pack had great runs by Stephanie Ward Windsor, Aoife Byrne and Vickie Doyle and they marched back up the field.
The young back line of Tanya Carter, Danielle Burke, Nicola Souster and Laura Kavanagh made great ground eventually seeing a gap in the line for Danielle to score another try for Rathdrum. Half-time score 10-10.
Rathdrum started the second half with much encouragement and they were out to put their stamp on the game.
Player of the day Tanya Carter had some immense tackles in the defensive line for Rathdrum and showed such strength in her back line runs.
The game was so well contested that the next score was to come 20 minutes into the second half. With a pack of 22 players, CYM brought on a contingent of fresh players and they crossed the line for a converted try to a tiring Rathdrum side. Score17-10
With 10 minutes to go, Rathdrum were down to 12 players due to an injured player and CYM opted to play their 13 against the side. CYM were to capitlise on this extra player and went over for the fourth try.
Rathdrum never gave up and were back in the CYM five-metre line in the dying minutes of the game but were unable to find the score.
Next Sunday we see another double header at the Ivy Grounds, with Division 4 hosting Athy and our Senior Women meeting Edenderry RFC in the Division 1 League at 1pm. All support would be most welcome.
Squad: Stephanie Ward-Windsor, Lynda Woolmington, Christina,Vickie Doyle, Ciara Healy, Aoife Byrne, Siobhan Parsons, Pamela Maher, Tanya Carter, Nicola Souster, Danielle Burke, Laura Kavanagh, Bernie Byrne.s