Just one game goes ahead in this weekend’s Women’s Energia Cup series, Wicklow playing host to Railway Union, Galwegians and Suttonians both received walkovers elsewhere.
Wicklow v Railway Union, Saturday 13th January, Ashtown Lane, 5pm
With the only game taking place on Ashtown Lane, can Railway Union cement their lead at the top and secure a final appearance or will Wicklow spring a surprise and make it six teams on five points.
Claiming the shield final last term, Wicklow will battle it out to reclaim their title or even stake a claim for the cup final itself. The hosts did have to forfeit their final Division game of 2023 due to injuries last month but will line out this weekend for a tough opener against Railway, a team who beat them 78-10 at the end of November.
Losing their last four games in the Women’s Division, Wicklow are not in great form of late and will need to be at their best to tackle a side whose history has always ended up on the losing side on four occasions. Wicklow lost 142-0 when the sides first met and since then Railway have won 22-5, 39-15 and 78-10.
It will be a tough task to tackle a team with the strength of Railway, they have produced strong performances in the past against the Dubliners and in the Women’s Division this season. As shield champions they certainly have the pedigree to test them this weekend.
Railway have the chance to solidify top spot before the chasing pack take to the field next weekend. With a score difference of 50 points, following their 62-12 win over Ballincollig in round one, Stephen Costello’s charges are looking as deadly as ever.
If they can secure a high scoring win similar to that 78-10 scoreline from the November meeting between these two, they look a dead cert to finish the campaign on top and with it book their spot in the Cup final.
A brace of tries from Rhiann Heery, Lindsay Peat and Dani Franada helped them on their way to the opening rounds success with Franada also kicking six conversions to deputise for Nikki Caughey who is away with the Wolfhounds. Ava Ryder who will not feature this weekend because of Celtic Challenge, Maddy Aberg, Alaïs Diebold, and Sarah Munnelly also scored that day and will bring a threat all over the park for this round two meeting.
Suttonians 28-0 Blackrock College
The meeting of Suttonians and Blackrock College will not take place this weekend, Suttonians have been awarded a 28-0 bonus point win as Blackrock conceded the fixture.
Galwegians 28-0 Old Belvedere
The meeting of Galwegians and Old Belvedere will not take place this weekend, Galwegians have been awarded a 28-0 bonus point win as Old Belvedere conceded the fixture.
More Info on the Cup Series here
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.