April 28th was notched into the Diary by Railway Union as they booked their spot in the Women’s AIL Final ending UL Bohemian’s 14 match winning run with a bonus point triumph in Park Avenue.
Galwegians (3T) 21-22 Wicklow (4T), Crowley Park
A late Linda Dempsey try converted by Beth Roberts gave Wicklow the points on a blustery day in Galway.
It took 26 minutes to break the deadlock in Crowley Park, Stacy Hanley going over from close range, Emma Keane slotting the conversion. Jess Griffey reduced arrears for Wicklow with an unconverted try after the half hour mark, Orla Dixon crashed over for a trey in stoppage time to put Wegians 14-5 ahead as Keane converted again.
Wicklow with the elements at their back took advantage in the second half. Lara Newsome and Jess Griffey with a quick brace of tries to see Wicklow lead by a point. Wegians did grab their third try, Zorya Surguet crossing and the conversion from Keane made it 21-15 with 20 left.
The visitors were pressing for a score and were eventually rewarded for their efforts when Dempsey crossed at the death and Roberts slotted the conversion.
Blackrock College (6T) 32-5 Cooke (1T), Stradbrook
Blackrock claimed another impressive win as they aim to see out the year on a high point, having crossed for six tries in their win over Cooke.
Tries from Anna Doyle and Catherine Martin and a conversion by Clíodhna O’Sullivan swung the first half in favour of Blackrock as they were ahead 12-5 at the break. Ella Garland with the try for Cooke.
A brace by Maggie Boylan and tries from Ava Fannin and Anna Potterton helped the hosts cruise to victory in the second half.
Old Belvedere (8T) 50-12 Ballincollig (2T), Ollie Campbell Park
Despite their impressive win over Ballincollig, Old Belvedere will not contest this year’s final as results elsewhere saw them miss out on a final appearance.
Belvedere were impressive to lead 31-0 at the break and furthered that momentum in the second half. Ballincollig struggled in the opening half and despite Clare Coombes and Laurileigh Baker crossing for tries and a conversion by Emma Connolly it was not enough to cut the gap.
Clodagh Dunne and Minnona Nunstedt both crossed for a brace of tries while Kara Mulcahy, Hannah Wilson, Katie Layde and Emma Tilly all added tries while Aine Donnelly slotted five conversions.
Railway Union (7T) 43-22 UL Bohemian (4T), Park Avenue
This year’s Women’s Division Final will be contested between Railway Union and UL Bohs as a dress rehearsal between the two saw Railway triumph and end the winning run of the Robins, ensuring their final status in the process.
Railway were at their sparkling best, leading 24-5 at the break, they put in a fantastic shift to see them through with a game to spare. Seven tries in the end, Grainne O’Loughlin, Claire Keohane, Lindsay Peat, Maddy Aberg, Faith Oviawe and a brace from Ailsa Hughes all aiding their win. Nikki Caughey with four conversions.
Clodagh O’Halloran added a try in the opening half, while Clara Barrett, Alana McInerney, and Aoife Corey all crossed in the second. Kate Flannery dissected the posts in that second half.
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.