UL Bohemian made it ten wins from as many games in the Women’s Division with a 53 point win in Galway, Railway and Old Belvedere kept their charge going to hunt them down, while Ballincollig ended their recent losing streak.
Galwegians (1T) 5-58 UL Bohemian (10T), Crowley Park
UL Bohemian remained unbeaten in the Women’s Division as they produced an emphatic ten try win over Galwegians on what was an emotional day for the club.
The newly crowned cup champions showed no signs of slowing down as with twenty minutes elapsed in Crowley Park, Ciara O’Dwyer, Stephanie Nunan, Clodagh O’Halloran, and Muirne Wall all added tries to wrap up the bonus point, Aoife O’Shaughnessy with two conversions for a 24-0 lead, that advantage would remain at the break.
Aoibhe O’Flynn added their fifth try on the hour mark to further that lead, despite Grace Browne Moran adding a try for Wegians in that half, Eva McCormack, Éabha Nic Dhonnacha, Rachel Allen, Abbie Salter-Townshend all added tries along with O’Flynn adding her second. Nic Dhonnacha with two conversions as Fiona Hayes’ charges record another statement win.
Suttonians (0T) 0-22 Ballincollig (4T), JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds
Ballincollig ended their recent losing streak with a strong performance from start to finish against Suttonians.
The Leesiders moved fifth with a win and trail Blackrock by nine points in the standings to move up another spot. Gemma Lane and Clare Coombes with opening half tries, SInead O’Reilly adding a conversion for a 12-0 lead at the interval.
Alison Kelly and Michelle O’Driscoll secured the bonus point in the second half, Ballincollig with some much needed momentum after the opening round.
Cooke (0T) 5-29 Railway Union (5T), Shaw’s Bridge
A hat trick from Maddy Aberg gave Railway Union a return to winning ways as they returned to Women’s Division action at the weekend.
Railway were ahead 12-0 at the break, Michaela O’Neill Johnson crossed followed by the first from Aberg and the lead was extended with a conversion by Aimee Clarke.
Cooke, who were beaten in the Plate Final, crossed through Alanagh van Staden, their Dublin opponents once again proved too strong, Grainne O’Loughlin and two more from Aberg along with a Claire Keohane conversion wrapped up the result.
Wicklow (2T) 12-25 Old Belvedere (4T), Ashtown Lane
Old Belvedere did all the damage in the opening half as on their return to action they overcame Leinster neighbours Wicklow in Ashtown Lane.
It was a close fair in the opening minutes Belvo ahead 8-5 after Vanessa Hullon crossed for their try and a penalty converted by Aine Donnelly kept them ahead after Ciara SHort crossed for Wicklow.
The visitors soon took control, Emma Tilly, Grace Tutty and Jess Keating all crossing for tries and Donnelly added a conversion to put Belvedere ahead 25-5 at the interval. Wicklow battled away in the second half, crossing through Naoise O’Reilly and Beth Roberts converted to cut the gap to 13, Belvo held on but Wicklow looked impressive in the tie.
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.