THE FINAL WEEKEND of the Women’s AIL Division 1A action brought joy for
Galwegians as their win over Blackrock pushed them up into third spot in the league,
sealing a playoff place.

It was despair for Railway Union’s talented young squad as after a tight defeat
to UL Bohemian they fell to fifth place in the competition, just narrowly missing out
on the knockout rounds in their first season in the top flight.

However, it was Railway who started brightly opening the scoring at their Park
Avenue ground in Sandymount with fullback Claire Ryan dotting down. This was
closely followed with a try from her backline colleague and current Ireland sevens squad
member Stacey Flood, who was playing at outside centre.

At the half hour mark UL ‘Bohs showed their pedigree when Munster representative
Ashling Hutchings scored a try from the wing. Due to the absence of regular place
kicker and Ireland star fullback Niamh Briggs, Molly O’Donnell slotted over the
conversion.

In what was an open and entertaining fixture, Railway then fought back. Their efforts
were rewarded with a penalty from the boot of Ryan with less than five minutes left in
the half.

The visitors again showed their ruthless nature with inside centre Mairead Kelly
scoring a try on the stroke of half time from a dropped Railway ball in midfield.

UL Bohemian kept the scoreboard ticking over in the second half courtesy of two
O’Donnell penalties.

In the final quarter Railway sparked back to their exuberant best with prop Sue
Hughes going over for a try. Ryan’s conversion put Railway within three points of
‘Bohs.

The final five minutes were frantic with the hosts having two tries held up but terrific
composure from UL ‘Bohs saw them through to the last four.

In Crowley Park, Galwegians beat a strong Blackrock side 32-10 courtesy of a first
half hat trick from New Zealand born Ireland sevens squad member Sene Naoupu,
playing at out-half. The remainder of the hosts’ points came from Clare
Rafferty, with the fullback scoring a try, three conversions and two penalties.

Blackrock finished the league season in second place and will host Galwegians next
week at Stradbrook in their semi-final.

Old Belvedere were back at their imperious best with a 45-0 demolition of Highfield
in Cork’s Woodleigh Park.

Old Belvedere’s scores included braces from both Ireland’s Women’s World Cup
hero Sophie Spence and Leinster back Elise O’Byrne White. Ireland international
Ailis Egan, Czech born scrum-half Kamila Rousova and utility player Ailis Toner also
scored tries.

This win secured Belvo’s place at the summit of the table and a home semi-final
against UL Bohemian.

In the basement tussle, the two bottom placed side Tralee and St Mary’s played for
pride under the lights at Castle Island. Mary’s prevailed as 15-0 winners in an
extremely physical encounter with tries from Ireland’s Paula Fitzpatrick and Bridget
Collins.

Next week the two sides will meet again in Templeville Road in a match that will side
which team get relegated from Division 1A.

Toulon vs Clermont featured some gorgeous tries, offloads and running lines

Slammin’ Sam Burgess was unleashed onto the sport of rugby union on Friday