Railway Union laid down another marker this weekend as they defeated Belvedere, while Blackrock are level on points with them in second. Wicklow have jumped up to fourth spot as the post-Christmas race intensifies.
Blackrock College 71-7 Ballincollig, Stradbrook
Blackrock recorded an emphatic sixth consecutive win in the Women’s AIL, crossing for 11 tries in a dominant display against struggling Ballincollig.
The hosts were quick off the mark and never looked like squandering a lead, ahead 40-0 by the interval they took scores well all afternoon, Maeve Óg O’Leary and Ella Durkan both crossed for braces.
The Rock sit second after the result as points separate them and Union at the summit, early intent from them as they look hard to beat, Roisin Ormond crossed for a consolation try for the visitors.
Railway Union 15-11 Old Belvedere, Park Avenue
Railway inflicted the second blemish on Old Belvedere’s season in the league, having come from 10-11 down at the break to seal the win in a tight second half.
Belvedere through an Elise O’Byrne-White try and two Dannah O’Brien penalties, held a slender one point lead at the break.
Not the best day in the kicking department for Union, but three tries helped them on the route to victory, Ava Ryder, Carmen Rodera and Aoife O’Shaughnessy all crossing the whitewash.
UL Bohemian 43-5 Suttonians, Castletroy College
UL recorded a second win on the trot, as they ran riot over Suttonians to build some confidence and keep them in sixth spot level with Galwegians.
Their record now stands at three wins and three losses, they have found form at a time where they could make the final four as Wicklow have a tough run in before Christmas.
Seven tries in the end as they displayed great skill and ability to leave Sutts unable to counter, Clodagh O’Halloran and Clara Barrett both notched a brace in the win which now sees them needing results over Cooke and Galwegians in the final two games, that final came could very well see them make the final four.
Wicklow RFC 16-14 Galwegians, Ashtown Lane
Beth Roberts inspired Wicklow to a two point win over Galwegians having trailed the game at the break, they got the crucial second half scores to see them jump the Galway side into fourth.
Wegians dominated the opening half as Elizabeth McNicholas and Mairéad Coyne both went over as Nicole Fowley added the extras, Wicklow could only reply with three Roberts penalties to reduce the gap at the break to 14-9.
The Wicklow side would take the second half as Meagan Parkinson intercepted and ran from halfway to touch down, Robert’s conversion gave them a two point lead they would not surrender, despite pressure late on they held their bottle to take the win.
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.