Round 2 of the Women’s Energia Cup throws up some entertaining ties with a repeat of the league final between Blackrock College and Railway Union headlining the billing.
UL Bohemian V Cooke, Saturday February 4th, UL 4G, 12pm
Two of last weekend’s winners meet on Shannonside as UL look to build on that performance against a rejuvenated Cooke side.
The Robins were very impressive in their 29-10 win over Galwegians, they built from the off and a five try display set’s them up nicely for a home tie this weekend as they aim for a successful cup run.
Cooke managed a first win of the 2022/23 season when they powered home to dispatch Ballincollig in Belfast last weekend, with leaders like Ilse van Staden who got on the scoresheet last weekend, they have a well blended squad who with the right form might just be a dark horse.
Ballincollig V Suttonians, Saturday February 4th, Tanner Park, 5pm
Having both tasted defeat last weekend Ballincollig and Suttonians look to put those performances behind them and get a first win this weekend.
The hosts had led 10-7 to Cooke at the interval last weekend but a second half fightback by the hosts saw them defeated 29-10, the Cork side have some impressive players in their ranks who have represented Munster in the Inter-pros, they will hope for a much better showing this weekend.
Suttonians faded in the second half to be defeated 31-5 by a depleted Blackrock last weekend, Grainne Tummon notched for the Dubliners in the opening half but they struggled to come back, captain Catherine Martin is well experienced and will now try and motivate her troops to get a win on the board.
Blackrock College V Railway Union, Saturday February 4th, Stradbrook, 5pm
With a win each under their belts, a repeat of the league final is on the cards in Stradbrook as Railway Union look to end Blackrock’s unbeaten record.
Blackrock had just 17 players last weekend but still looked impressive to put five tries past Sutts, the cup campaign serves as a real test for them but also gives their players who may not feature all the time the chance to shine.
Railway Union have a stronger selection to choose from for the cup series, shown by their 39-15 win over Wicklow last weekend, seven tries with two each from the experienced Lindsey Peat and captain Nimah Byrne showing their strength and depth of their squad, they have fallen short in overcoming Blackrock so far this season, this looks to be a great chance for them to topple their foes and chase silverware.
Wicklow V Old Belvedere, Saturday February 4th, Ashtown Lane, 5pm
Wicklow look to dust themselves off from defeat last weekend as they face an Old Belvedere side looking to start their campaign off with a win.
A Lauren Barry converted try and a Beth Roberts penalty saw them trail 17-10 at the break last weekend, despite Barry notching a second they struggled to put scores on the board and keep out a rampant Railway attack, this weekend they need to utilise their home advantage and restrict Belvo’s attack as they are missing some key players.
It’s a first run in the competition for Old Belvedere and they look to for a strong start after their semi final loss last time out in the league, they have shown their prowess as a top three/four side for years in the Women’s Division, we have to wait and see what their squad looks like for the weekend but a win at this early stage is always good to help boost the confidence levels.
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.