Railway Union made an empathic start to their Women’s Energia Cup Series defence with a 50 point winning margin over Ballincollig, elsewhere UL Bohemian kept up their winning ways overcoming a stern Blackrock test in the other game played this weekend.
Blackrock College (3T) 22-32 UL Bohemian (6T), Stradbrook
Late tries from Karly Tierney and Rachel Allen gave UL Bohemian a winning start to the 2024 Energia Cup series, getting past a stern Blackrock test in Stradbrook.
Abby Moyles struck early from a penalty to nudge Rock ahead, Bohs sniped back through a Ciara O’Dwyer try converted by Aoife O’Shaughnessy. Amelia McFarland swung momentum back the way of Blackrock crossing for their opening try, Moyles making it 10-7 from the tee.
UL ended the half in strong fashion, Clodagh O’Halloran and two tries from Grainne Burke, had the Red Robins ahead 22-10 at the break.
Blackrock started the second half much the better, Shannon Heapes crossed for their second try to cut the gap to five, before Maggie Boylan marked her return with their third try to level matters minutes later. Fiona Hayes’ troops rallied well late on, Tierney and then Allen crossing the whitewash to secure the points in the capital.
Railway Union (10T) 62-12 Ballincollig (2T), Park Avenue
Railway Union made an emphatic start to their defence of the Energia All-Ireland Women’s Cup with a ten try display against Ballincollig.
Despite some injuries stemming from the contest, Stephen Costelloe’s side sit in pole position in round one and can book at least one final appearance next weekend if they can replicate this performance in Wicklow.
Tries from Rhiann Heery. Ava Ryder, Maddie Aberg and a brace from Lindsay Peat set the Dubliners on their way in the opening half, a brace of conversions from Dani Franada added to their tally, leading 29-5 at the break. Laurileigh Baker striking for the visitors.
Very much more of the same for the hosts in the second period, Franada displayed an exhibition from the kicking tee, converting four of their five second half tries, she also crossed for a brace herself in that second stanza. Heery also bagged a brace with her second try in that second half, Alias Diebold and Sarah Munnelly helping themselves to tries in the contest. Ballincollig did get on the board in the second half, Kelly Griffin with their second try converted by Anna Roche.
Old Belvedere 0-28 Cooke
The meeting of Old Belvedere and Cooke did not take place this weekend, Cooke were awarded a 28-0 bonus point win as Old Belvedere conceded the fixture and will not be fielding a team in the cup campaign.
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.