Amazons play like warriors to see off the Navan challenge
ARKLOW AMAZONS 20 NAVAN 17
WE were served an intense clash last Sunday afternoon between Arklow Amazons and Navan.
Amazons was hoping to climb the standings on the table by defeating a strong Navan team on a one-game winning streak.
It looked pretty positive for Navan, early in the first half. It was thought they were doing some really good things with the ball and the Amazons were under a lot of pressure trying to deal with the away side.
By and large, Amazons were accurate with the ball but the breakdown was our issue.
A brief on the pitch chat from coaches Trevor and Billy motivated Arklow into another gear.
The Amazons had been first off the mark in the Oval, retaining possession well before a ruck infringement allowed Navan’s outhalf to open the scoring three minutes in.
The Navan visitors had shot into an early 10-0 lead and produced a stirring backs-to-the-wall effort in trying to contain the home side.
Arklow boosted by their strong bench, did damage through their forwards to create two quick-fire try-scoring opportunities from Samantha Byrne and Kelly Ann Conroy which they clinically took.
Navan got the ball and got their tails up.
Amazons looked a lot fresher in the second half and Navan’s bits of inaccuracies which are possible in the bitter cold playing conditions, leaked penalties and let them down.
The Amazon pack were just held up short as they tried to maul their way over for a try in response.
They kept up the territory but Suzanne Tyrell’s yellow card - awarded for an off the ball tackle - rocked them at a crucial stage.
The scoreline remained 17-13 until the dying minutes when Navan leaked another penalty posing an opportunity for Trevor Prestage’s Amazon women to dig deep and power their way to a three-point triumph.
Their reinforced scrum being rewarded with another try from Kelly Ann Conroy in the 74th minute which Kiri Mc Loughlin converted.
There were only five minutes left on the clock, bodies are tired and Navan tried everything to concede another try but the home side pulled out all the stops to deny them.
Arklow Amazons started without Captain Rachel Cooney through injury but she wasn’t far from sight and bellowing encouragement at her team for every minute from the side-line.
Navan had a lot of ball, a lot of opportunities however, Arklow Amazons showed impressive resilience to batter their way downfield and deny Navan their second win of the season so far.
Arklow delighted they came out the right side of it. Final score 20-17.
It was a win the Amazons needed especially against and solid strong Navan side.
Post match analysis from supporters expressed that Amazon gave everything they got and played out of their skins to defeat Navan.
Next home game in the Oval next Sunday against Wanderers. Kick-off is 1pm.
New members always welcome to training every Wednesday and Friday from 7.30pm in Arklow Rugby Club.
AMAZON TEAM:
Rachel Cooney (Captain) Claire Nicholson (Vice Cap), Geraldine Young,Danielle Kaye, Suzanne Tyrrell, Dilara Sayan, Emer Dillon, Megan Meyler, Kiri McLoughlin, Lorraine Dunne, Louise Murphy, Lauren Messit, Kelly-Ann Conroy, Sue Hunt, Samantha Byrne Megan Cullen, Breda O’Brien, Racheal Bolton, Hannah Mai Jones.