VIXENS RUGBY
Wexford Vixens travelled to Barnhall on Sunday last to take on the Barnhall Babes. Due to their recent losing streak and a huge number of injury concerns in their panel, Wexford Vixens were concerned in the run-up to the game.
They knew this game would be no easy feat taking into consideration their previous 5-5 draw in September, where Barnhall put up a huge defensive front with a solid forward pack and an athletic and unpredictable number ten. Wexford knew if they were to achieve anything in this test they had to get off to a solid start.
Máire Busher opened the scoring by offloading the ball to Aine Whelan and looping to retrieve the pass again, running from just outside our own ‘22. This score worked to boost the spirits of the girls after a recent losing spell.
Unfortunately, Wexford let their guard down in the 30th minute by coming in from the side, awarding Barnhall a penalty on the ‘22 which was duly converted by their prop. Just before half-time Wexford created an encouraging phase of play, forming a solid maul outside the Barnhall ‘22 and driving forward just short of the try line.
Annie Rowe, acting as a solid 8, spotted a gap in the Barnhall defence and thundered forward but unfortunately due to solid defence by Barnhall, she fell short of the line and due to lack of support the ball was overturned and cleared from the danger area, allowing Barnhall to breath a sigh of relief. Wexford led at half-time 5-3.
Barnhall started to apply pressure in our own ‘22. However, frustration got the better of them as they could not break down the Vixens solid defence.
They were forced to kicking crossfield only for Sarah McGuinness to pull off a fine catch in the air under pressure and pop to Vera Butler who in turn off-loaded to Máire Busher who ran the length of the pitch to score under the crossbar.
Barnhall applied pressure, setting up a maul on the Wexford ‘22 in front of the posts. Wexford spotted the Barnhall number ten in a threatening position eyeing up the posts for a drop goal.
This gave Wexford the fright they needed to drive into the Barnhall maul, forcing them to form a ruck. The heavy Wexford unit including Siobhán McGuinness and Mary Butler get a solid drive over this ruck, turning the ball over.
The quick thinking of scrum-half Paula Moriarty popped the ball to prop Michelle Furlong who sucked in the heavy defence, putting outhalf Barbara White into space.
White carried the ball into a staggered defence and, observing full-back Linda Casey in a more promising position, gave her a quick off-load. Casey then broke four tackles, running from our own half and scoring under the posts. Máire Busher duly converted. The final score was 17-3 in favour of the Vixens.
Team: A. Whelan, S. McGuinness, M. Furlong, A. Butler, S. McGuinness, A. Rowe, M. Butler, V. Butler, P. Moriarty, B. White, C. Cousins, M. Busher, G. Roche, S. McGuinness, L. Casey.
Any girls interested in playing rugby, please come along to training on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30 p.m. or contact Aine Whelan (086-1011740) or Noel Ferguson (0872035026).