IRELAND WOMEN’S SEVENS team finished strong to defeat Russia 10-5 in the Challenge Trophy final at the Paris 7s in Stade Jean-Bouin,
In a physical, but frustrating contest, Ireland had to remain patient but were rewarded by the finishing of Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe who powered home twice late on bring the win and keep Ireland on course to repeat the 9th place finish managed in last year’s World Series overall standings.
The first quarter of the Trophy final saw Ireland dominate territory, but Russia caused enough disruption in the collision zone to frustrate progress. On their first venture into Irish territory, Russia scored through the individual pace of Elena Zdrokova.
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That try proved the difference at the interval, but after starting with a relatively inexperienced starting seven, Stan McDowell sent on the cutting edge of Murphy Crowe among other front-liners for the second period.
With the speedster on board, Ireland found their route to the line as Murphy Crowe stepped outside Alena Mikhaltsova and scorched the Russian captain on her way to the corner.
Ireland attacked as the clock went red. but looked comfortable in the deadlocked situation and offloads from Lucy Mulhall and Murphy Crowe stretched Russia, forcing a penalty that was converted into the Tipperary women’s second score of the game as Ireland quickly went wide and she refused to be stopped by two tacklers.
Lucy Mulhall gets a pass away under pressure. Sam O'Byrne.
Sam O'Byrne.
Earlier, Ireland made their way to the final by beating Wales 17-7 in the semi. It was the second time this weekend that McDowell’s side defeated their celtic neighbors, but the formbook was in danger of being torn up after yesterday’s impressive 24-5 win as Wales led 7-5 approaching the last two minutes.
After the in-form Stacey Flood grabbed Ireland’s only first-half score, captain Mulhall created the crucial opening with an offload to set Murphy Crowe away before Eve Higgins wrapped up the 17-7 win.
Ireland’s pool defeats yesterday came to England and New Zealand, who will face already-crowned World Series champs Australia in the Cup final tomorrow.
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Murphy Crowe strikes twice to deliver Challenge Trophy for Ireland at Paris 7s
LAST UPDATE | 9 Jun 2018
IRELAND WOMEN’S SEVENS team finished strong to defeat Russia 10-5 in the Challenge Trophy final at the Paris 7s in Stade Jean-Bouin,
In a physical, but frustrating contest, Ireland had to remain patient but were rewarded by the finishing of Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe who powered home twice late on bring the win and keep Ireland on course to repeat the 9th place finish managed in last year’s World Series overall standings.
The first quarter of the Trophy final saw Ireland dominate territory, but Russia caused enough disruption in the collision zone to frustrate progress. On their first venture into Irish territory, Russia scored through the individual pace of Elena Zdrokova.
That try proved the difference at the interval, but after starting with a relatively inexperienced starting seven, Stan McDowell sent on the cutting edge of Murphy Crowe among other front-liners for the second period.
With the speedster on board, Ireland found their route to the line as Murphy Crowe stepped outside Alena Mikhaltsova and scorched the Russian captain on her way to the corner.
Ireland attacked as the clock went red. but looked comfortable in the deadlocked situation and offloads from Lucy Mulhall and Murphy Crowe stretched Russia, forcing a penalty that was converted into the Tipperary women’s second score of the game as Ireland quickly went wide and she refused to be stopped by two tacklers.
Earlier, Ireland made their way to the final by beating Wales 17-7 in the semi. It was the second time this weekend that McDowell’s side defeated their celtic neighbors, but the formbook was in danger of being torn up after yesterday’s impressive 24-5 win as Wales led 7-5 approaching the last two minutes.
After the in-form Stacey Flood grabbed Ireland’s only first-half score, captain Mulhall created the crucial opening with an offload to set Murphy Crowe away before Eve Higgins wrapped up the 17-7 win.
Ireland’s pool defeats yesterday came to England and New Zealand, who will face already-crowned World Series champs Australia in the Cup final tomorrow.
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