Brave effort by Amazons Barnhall prove too strong

at The Oval

players, Sinead Meyler, Megan Meyler, Tara Gavigan and Megan Cullen, showed, and Amazons team definitely wanted to play some attacking rugby and they definitely did that, especially in the first half when they had a bit more energy.

The second half brought Arklow narrowing closer to the try line on two lengthy phases of play.

Rachel Cooney, Claire Nicholson and Dilara Sayan burst through several times gaining yardage only to be met with the physicality of Barnhall’s forwards.

Hannah Mai Jones carried well and powered her way forward only to be held up five metres short of the line.

Arklow made so many tackles and soaked up all the pressure of the visitors, believing the try line is going to open up for them.

Although dominated, and the end result was certainly a reflection of strength and speed in the Barnhall side, there were strong individual performances from Arklow’s Sally-Ann Hudson, Kiri Mc Loughlin, Emer Dillion, Danielle Kaye and Geraldine Young.

Although on the receiving end of a 26-0 scoreboard, there were encouraging signs for Arklow in the performance of their scrum — hardly surprising given long-term member and forwards coach Billy Byrne is in charge of this aspect of their game, while the second half provided evidence of their improving ability in ball possession too.

Certainly, in the second half the front rowers of Lauren Messitt, Louise Murphy and Lorraine Dunne created a few strong ball carrying chances filtering in the flankers Kelly Ann Conroy and Rebecca New thus giving No.8 Samantha Byrne opportunity to bulldoze around with chase but they just couldn’t capitalise closer to the try line.

It’s disappointing, to have that scoreline put on at home it’s tough to swallow but the Amazons won’t dwell on the defeat they park it and move on to the next game.

Ahead of the play-offs and Cup fixtures over the next few weeks the Arklow side know they need to build on the positives from every league game this season now and make improvements in other areas of their game to become more consistent and force more pressure on their opponents.

Rachel Cooney (Captain) Claire Nicholson (Vice Cap), Geraldine Young, Kelly Ann Conroy, Sally-Ann Hudson, Danielle Kaye, Sinead Meyler, Dilara Sayan, Emer Dillon, Megan Meyler, Kiri McLoughlin, Lorraine Dunne, Megan Cullen, Louise Murphy, Lauren Messitt, Tara Gavigan, Samantha Byrne, Racheal Bolton, Rebecca New.

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