THIS SEASON’S WOMEN’S AIL Division 1A title will be staying in Dublin after the
holders Old Belvedere fended off U.L. Bohemian 29-0 and Blackrock saw off a dogged
Galwegians 17-7 in the semi finals.
Proceedings at Anglesea Road started with a bang as outside centre Elise O’Byrne
White jinked through several ‘Bohs’ defenders to score from out wide after two
minutes of play.
Ireland international out half Nora Stapleton missed the conversion.
Old Belvedere continued to pile on the pressure and this was rewarded with a score
from Ireland loosehead prop Ailis Egan. Stapleton duly converted.
The hosts continued at breakneck speed and they had their third try of the day via
former Irish tag rugby international Janice Daly.
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Just before the 20 minute mark Old Belvedere second row Emma Dunne powered
through from midfield to hand off to O’Byrne White, who with almost dancing feet
beat two U.L. Bohemian defenders to seal her brace.
After a period of such imperious dominance, the Belvo players relaxed somewhat
allowing the visitors to apply some pressure but the defending champions also
showed just as much tenacity in defence as they had in attack.
The first 20 minutes of the second half were a cagey affair but again Old Belvedere
showed their class as Daly also secured a brace on the hour mark after an impressive
kick through, dotting down under the posts. Stapleton added the extras.
The remainder of the match was a tale of missed chances for Old Belvedere, notably Ireland’s Sophie Spence being held just a metre short after dashing 60 metres up the field.
Just a little further into Dublin’s south side, in Stradbrook, Blackrock bounced back
from their defeat to Galwegians in the final regular season round last week to beat the
same opposition 17 points to 7 in a highly physical encounter.
Katie Fitzhenry had a lively game for Galwegians. Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
Blackrock started brightly with prop Karla Dunne scoring after 12 minutes. This was
closely followed by a try from Ireland sevens star Katie Fitzhenry after a superb
offload from centre Ainé Ní Cathaín.
Former Canadian international Jess Belchos then scored to put the home side 17
points to good at the interval.
Galwegians showed their determination in the second half and their physicality was
rewarded when scrum half Mary Healy scored on the hour.
However, guile from Ireland veteran Tania Rosser playing at scrumhalf and sparkle
from out half Fitzhenry along with an immense effort from the pack ensured that
Blackrock will meet Old Belvedere in next weekend’s final.
Templeville Road was the setting for an extremely close and entertaining relegation
play off match between St Mary’s and Tralee. The two sides were level with 12 points
apiece in the match’s closing moments but an 81st minute try sealed the victory for the
hosts.
The women's AIL title is staying in the capital as Old Belvo and Blackrock advance to the final
THIS SEASON’S WOMEN’S AIL Division 1A title will be staying in Dublin after the
holders Old Belvedere fended off U.L. Bohemian 29-0 and Blackrock saw off a dogged
Galwegians 17-7 in the semi finals.
Proceedings at Anglesea Road started with a bang as outside centre Elise O’Byrne
White jinked through several ‘Bohs’ defenders to score from out wide after two
minutes of play.
Ireland international out half Nora Stapleton missed the conversion.
Old Belvedere continued to pile on the pressure and this was rewarded with a score
from Ireland loosehead prop Ailis Egan. Stapleton duly converted.
The hosts continued at breakneck speed and they had their third try of the day via
former Irish tag rugby international Janice Daly.
Just before the 20 minute mark Old Belvedere second row Emma Dunne powered
through from midfield to hand off to O’Byrne White, who with almost dancing feet
beat two U.L. Bohemian defenders to seal her brace.
After a period of such imperious dominance, the Belvo players relaxed somewhat
allowing the visitors to apply some pressure but the defending champions also
showed just as much tenacity in defence as they had in attack.
The first 20 minutes of the second half were a cagey affair but again Old Belvedere
showed their class as Daly also secured a brace on the hour mark after an impressive
kick through, dotting down under the posts. Stapleton added the extras.
The remainder of the match was a tale of missed chances for Old Belvedere, notably Ireland’s Sophie Spence being held just a metre short after dashing 60 metres up the field.
Just a little further into Dublin’s south side, in Stradbrook, Blackrock bounced back
from their defeat to Galwegians in the final regular season round last week to beat the
same opposition 17 points to 7 in a highly physical encounter.
Blackrock started brightly with prop Karla Dunne scoring after 12 minutes. This was
closely followed by a try from Ireland sevens star Katie Fitzhenry after a superb
offload from centre Ainé Ní Cathaín.
Former Canadian international Jess Belchos then scored to put the home side 17
points to good at the interval.
Galwegians showed their determination in the second half and their physicality was
rewarded when scrum half Mary Healy scored on the hour.
However, guile from Ireland veteran Tania Rosser playing at scrumhalf and sparkle
from out half Fitzhenry along with an immense effort from the pack ensured that
Blackrock will meet Old Belvedere in next weekend’s final.
Templeville Road was the setting for an extremely close and entertaining relegation
play off match between St Mary’s and Tralee. The two sides were level with 12 points
apiece in the match’s closing moments but an 81st minute try sealed the victory for the
hosts.
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