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Ladies Team Reports 09/10
Season
September ’09 League Preview:
 The
Nenagh Ladies kick off their league campaign next Sunday at home to new comers
Thurlas. Nenagh topped the AIL Division 2 Munster pool last season and were
unlucky in the All-Ireland semi-final, losing to City of Derry by just 2 points.
The girls are looking forward to another successful season this year with two
new teams in the south section, Galbally and Thurlas.
Thurlas are somewhat of an unknown and the match next Sunday will be the first
competitive Senior Ladies match for Thurlas RFC. Having had several successful
years with underage girls teams, this season is the first time they will field
an adult ladies team. This is exciting times for ladies rugby and shows the
strength in the development of the game in Tipperary and Munster.
Nenagh have been working hard in their pre-season training under the watchful
eyes of new coaches Fergus Austin and Fergal Brislane. With a new-look team from
last season, Nenagh have recruited well with several girls joining the team to
play rugby for the first time. The new recruits have put in some excellent
performances in both of the pre-season friendly matches, against Young Munster
and Portlaoise. Bringing youth and pace into the team they are sure to give the
coaches some selection headaches in the coming weeks.
Pictured playing against Portlaoise is the Nenagh Ladies new
scrum-half Colleen McCullough who just joined the team this season.
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Sunday, 27th September ’09
Nenagh vs Thurlas.
The Nenagh Ladies got a walk
over on Sunday last in their first game of the league when Thurles couldn't
field fifteen. The girls are away to Galbally next Sunday.
Sunday, 4th
October ’09 Galbally 7 – 12 Nenagh Ladies.
The Nenagh ladies went to the top of the division 2 table
after round two, with a win last Sunday over a strong Galbally team. Galbally
had got off to a winning start the previous week beating their close neighbors
Clanwilliam so Nenagh knew it would be a tough game, particularly up front.
From the start of the game it looked as if both teams were
fairly evenly matched but Galbally had a purple patch, having the wind in the
first half. They took advantage of the territory they gained and from a line-out
close to the Nenagh try line, they spread the ball wide. Their fullback and
captain picked an excellent line to cut through the Nenagh defense and get in
for a try close to the posts.
Nenagh rallied together and were determined to get back in
the game. Getting a penalty close to the Galbally line, Nenagh backed themselves
for the try instead of kicking for the posts. Paula Ryan crashed the ball up
well getting within inches of the line and excellent quick ball to out-half
Genevieve Rowland saw her power through two defenders and touch down. She also
converted the try to leave the score 7- 7 at half time.
 The
second half was even tougher with both teams competing at every break down.
Nenagh kept their structure very well and were much stronger in contact. The two
hard training sessions during the week really paid off and Nenagh bonded very
well as a team with the new players this season really gelling with the older
heads. The determination from the entire team paid off and with continued
pressure inside the Galbally 22, Nenagh again backed themselves by running a
penalty. Paula Ryan looped around Genevieve Rowland to score in the corner with
only a few minutes left to play. Nenagh kept their composure for the last few
minutes and kept the pressure on, winning a Galbally lineout to spoil their last
play.
Noticeable performances came from Sandra Farrell in the
second row who scrummaged well against a much bigger pack and took on the ball,
making good ground. Eithne Darcy turned over several balls at the break down
with her partner in crime in the back row, Paula Ryan. Kyla Maxwell made some
good tackles from outside centre to halt several Galbally attacks and Anne
O’Reilly made a big impact from the bench making several breaks up the wing
putting Nenagh in behind the Galbally defense.
Nenagh have a break now for two weeks and are planning a team
night out next weekend. Team; Breda Doheny, Maria Butler, Kyla Maxwell, Niamh
Hogan, Claire Maxwell, Genevieve Rowland, Colleen McCullough, Sam Zubrzycki,
Dawn Kennedy, Bob Ryan, Barbara Noonan, Sandra Farrell, Eithne Darcy, Paula
Ryan, Maeve Darcy, Anne O’Reilly and Laura Nugent.
Pictured; Nenagh win another line-out to control possession.
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Wednesday, 7th October ’09
Nenagh Ladies 33 – 22 UL College.
The Nenagh Ladies team took on UL College last Wednesday night under lights in a
training match. The Nenagh girls got off to a slow start and were caught out
wide by the pacey students who ran in three tries in the first 15 minutes.
Nenagh woke up and began to put some structure into their game and took control
of the match.
The home side used their dominance in the set-piece, both scrums and line-outs
to get good field position and the majority of posession. Out-half Genevieve
Rowland scored the first try for the home side from a set move. Shortly after,
full-back Breda Doheny ran a great line to score after the forwards had gotten
close to the line from a line-out maul and sucked in the defense.
When Nenagh put together some well worked phases they looked much stronger. Once
they put UL on the back foot, the pacey Nenagh backline got to show their
skills. A jinking run from out-side centre, Kyla Maxwell saw her beat several
defenders with a side-step and out-pace the covering defense to touch down under
the posts. Anne O’Reilly got in for her first try for Nenagh after some good
pressure defence by her and Paula Ryan. UL tried to run out of their own 22, but
a big tackle from Paula Ryan and excellent pressure from O’Reilly put her in
position to intercept a wayward pass. She collected the ball well, and with her
pace was not going to be caught on her run in to the posts. Genevieve Rowland
added another, again from a set move from a 5 metre scrum and with Kyla Maxwell
taking over kicking duties and slotting 4 out of 4 of her conversions, Nenagh
had the match closed out. Unfortunately, On the last play of the match, Nenagh
lost their concentration and let UL in for a soft consolation try.
The match practice was great for both teams and Nenagh hope to get some more
mid-week games on weeks when there are no league fixtures.
Team; Breda Doheny, Maria Butler, Kyla Maxwell, Niamh Hogan, Deirdre Gleeson,
Genevieve Rowland, Colleen McCullough, Sam Zubrzycki, Dawn Kennedy, Bob Ryan,
Paula Ryan, Anne O’Reilly and Maeve Darcy.
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Sunday, 25th October ’09
Shannon 17 – 10 Nenagh Ladies.
The Nenagh Ladies faced Shannon in the league last week. With some notable
absences from the pack, Nenagh still managed to have a large panel on the day
and full credit has to go to the backs who lined out in the forwards for the
match.
Nenagh started stronger even against the wind, getting into the Shannon 22 with
some good picking and driving. However, Shannon got on the score board early in
the game. From a turnover ball, Shannon cross-kicked to their pacey winger Aoife
Crowley who out-paced the covering defense and touched down in the corner.
Nenagh re-started well but Shannon began to gain more territory, using the wind
to their advantage. As conditions worsened, Nenagh kept the ball in tight but
Shannon spread the ball wide from a turnover and Crowley got in for her second
try past the scrambling defense, almost a replay of the first score.
Nenagh took a blow when hooker, Dawn Kennedy went off injured in the first half.
With a re-arranged scrum and line-out, Nenagh did well to continue to win most
of their set-pieces. Shannon added to their lead just before half time with a
strong run from their full-back Amanda Greensmith who broke several tackles to
touch down under the posts. With the conversion, Nenagh were 17-0 down at the
break.
 With
the wind behind them for the second half, Nenagh were still up for the game.
Out-half Genevieve Rowland, gained good territory with the boot. Rowland got
Nenagh’s first try when she crashed over the line after sustained pressure
inside Shannon’s 22. Kyla Maxwell was unlucky not to convert, kicking just
inches wide in the terrible conditions. Nenagh continued to pressure Shannon but
with the wind dying down for the rest of the game, Shannon were happy to kick
the ball at every opportunity to keep Nenagh away from their line. Nenagh
crossed the line for their second try through Breda Doheny. Nenagh had the
Shannon defense sucked in close to the line and then spread the ball wide for
the speedy full-back to run in and get Nenagh within one score.
Nenagh lost another front rower, Bob Ryan through injury. Even with the Nenagh
pack looking more and more like a back-line, the pressure continued. However
Shannon retained the ball well in the dying minutes of the game and Nenagh ran
out of time. Nenagh had to settle for a losing bonus point and at least denying
Shannon a 4-try bonus by keeping them scorless in the second half.
Team: Breda Doheny, Laura Nugent, Kyla Maxwell, Niamh Hogan, Maria Butler,
Genevieve Rowland, Jennifer Carter, Sam Zubrzycki, Dawn Kennedy , Bob Ryan,
Gillian Ryan, Eithne Darcy, Claire Maxwell, Anne O’Reilly, Maeve D’Arcy, Sarah
Walsh, Colleen McCullough.
Nenagh face their old rivals Youghal at home in Lisatunny next Sunday and are
hoping to get back to their winning ways. Youghal are unbeaten in the league up
to now so the Nenagh girls will be facing a tough challenge.
Pictured is the Nenagh girls defensive line giving chase.
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Sunday, 13th
December ’09 Nenagh Ladies 14 – 22 Tralee.
The Nenagh ladies suffered a defeat to table toppers Tralee
in the league last Sunday. Training went very well during the week and the girls
had played a tough challenge match the previous Sunday against division one side
St. Marys. After a slow start in the game against Mary’s where Nenagh conceded
two early tries, they worked hard for the rest of the game and held Mary’s
scoreless for the rest of the match. In the second half, Nenagh controlled all
aspects of the game with the majority of possession and territory and were
unlucky not to turn it into points.
With these good preparations the Nenagh girls were confident
going into the league match against Tralee but an untidy scrum inside their own
22 gave Tralee an early lead. The ball popped out the side of the scrum and the
Tralee back row linked up well to get in for a try near the posts.
Nenagh didn’t panic and worked their way down the pitch with
some good kicking from out-half Kyla Maxwell. Keeping the pressure on Tralee,
Nenagh earned several penalties and opting to run one inside the 22 paid off.
Paula Ryan took the ball on strongly and a few phases later, a strong pick and
go from Bob Ryan around the fringes got Nenagh their first try. The teams stayed
level up to the break at 7-7 but Nenagh were looking more dangerous,
particularly out wide with some good breaks from Genevieve Rowland at 13 and
speedy full back Breda Doheny.
Nenagh started the second half the stronger and were camped
inside the Tralee 22. Coming close to the line on several occasions, Nenagh just
couldn’t seem to turn the pressure into points. Tralee got a break away try from
a turn over from inside their own half which was completely against the run of
play. This galvanized the visitors and it was Nenagh’s turn to be under pressure
defending their line.
 Tralee
mauled a ball from a lineout but were held up well by the Nenagh pack. They got
the ball out wide and had pace to round the defense to touch down in the corner.
Nenagh didn’t give up and rallied together to get back into the game. The subs
that came on added fresh legs to the game and Maura Hogan made a great run up
the wing in her first match and won Nenagh a penalty near the line. Nenagh ran
the penalty knowing they needed a try at this stage and excellent rucking from
the pack gave quick ball to the backline. With some slick handling to get the
ball out wide, Breda Doheny rounded off an excellent performance with a well
deserved try, which she brought in to touch down near the posts. Nenagh kept the
pressure up but ran out of time, finishing the match up in the Tralee end of the
pitch.
With lots of positives to take from the game, the Nenagh
girls can be proud of their performance which showed great determination and
real team spirit. The forwards worked as a real pack and their pod system won
lots of clean ball at the breakdown. Bob Ryan was solid as always and took her
try very well, and Gillian Ryan put her body on the line to win several loose
balls for her team. Kyla Maxwell controlled the game confidently in her first
match at out-half and gave a fine kicking display. Breda Doheny was solid at
full back in all aspects of the game.
Team: Breda Doheny, Laura Nugent, Genevieve Rowland, Niamh
Hogan, Jennifer Carter, Kyla Maxwell, Colleen McCullough, Sam Zubrzycki, Gillian
Ryan, Bob Ryan, Barbara Noonan, Maria Butler, Eithne Darcy, Paula Ryan and Maeve
Darcy. Subs: Sandra Farrell, Orlagh Shanahan, Maura Hogan.
Pictured is Kyla Maxwell who has slotted into her new
position of out-half seamlessly.
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Sunday, 17th
January ’10 Young Munster 0 – 7 Nenagh Ladies.
The Nenagh Ladies got the new year off to a great start with
a win over Young Munster in Limerick last Sunday. This was the first game in
several weeks for both teams with many fixtures cancelled due to floods and
frozen pitches.
Nenagh started strong even though they were playing against
the breeze and seemed quicker to react to any loose balls or chances of turn
overs. Nenagh’s try came early in the game when a Young Munster attack was
spoiled out wide following good pressure in defence by the back line. The ball
came loose and Kyla Maxwell kicked it down the touch line. Centre Genevieve
Rowland won the chase to the ball and with a slick pick up, she ran in to touch
down near the posts. Kyla Maxwell added the conversion to put Nenagh 7-0 in
front.
 Young
Munster kicked most of their possession in the first half, using the wind to
gain territory. Nenagh’s back three covered well and counter attacked strongly
to keep the pressure off up to half time.
Nenagh spent all of the second forty minutes in Young
Munster’s half. The Nenagh pack had the upper hand in the scrum and more options
in the line-outs to dominate possession. Out-half Kyla Maxwell varied her
kicking, keeping pressure on Young Munster and pinning them inside their own 22
for long spells.
Nenagh will be disappointed they didn’t add to the score line
with the amount of possession they had. On several occasions last passes just
didn’t go to hand and although weather conditions were good, the mucky ball
added several handling errors to both sides.
On the plus side it was probably the girls best team
performance of the season with set-pieces working well, the forwards dominating
up front against a tough pack and the backs putting on a fine defensive display
against speedy opposition, never allowing the line to be broken. Everyone
deserves praise but some performances to mention were Eithne Darcy for her
tackle count in defence, Maria Butler for her line-out jumping and Genevieve
Rowland for her superb defence both tackling and winning turn-overs. Also,
Colleen McCullough was named player of the match for controlling the game at
scrum-half and spoiling several scrums for Young Munster with her quick
reactions.
The girls face Tralee at home next Sunday week in the first
round of the Munster Cup and have a score to settle after losing to them in the
league earlier in the season.
Team: Breda Doheny, Laura Nugent, Genevieve Rowland, Niamh
Hogan, Anne O’Reilly, Kyla Maxwell, Colleen McCullough, Sam Zubrzycki, Gillian
Ryan, Bob Ryan, Barbara Noonan, Maria Butler, Eithne Darcy, Paula Ryan, Maeve
Darcy and Jennifer Carter.
Pictured is Nenagh’s No.8 Maeve D’Arcy making a break.
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Sunday 31st January 2010 - UL Bohemians 41 – 0 Nenagh Ormond
The Nenagh ladies faced the top Division 1 team in the
country, UL Bohs in the first round of the Munster Cup last Sunday. Getting an
away draw to a team like this was always going to be a tough cup opener. Despite
the score line, Nenagh probably had their best performance of the season putting
together some great phases of play and forcing Bohs to really work for their
win.
The Nenagh pack dominated the scrum and lineout but the Bohs
defense always seemed to be there in numbers. The backline executed some set
moves, particularly when the pack won clean lineout ball and managed to find
gaps but the pace and strength of the covering Bohs defence managed to spoil
every attack.
Nenagh outhalf, Kyla Maxwell gave a kicking display that was
far superior to the division one opposition and cleared her team out of the
danger areas on several occasions. Captain, Genevieve Rowland led her team from
the start to the final whistle, making a superb try saving tackle and turning
the ball over in the final minute of the match. The entire team has to be given
credit for the effort they put in for the full 80 minutes. Nenagh had Bohs
pinned on their own line close to the end of the match but just didn’t have the
legs to make it over the whitewash. Paula Ryan was named player of the game, in
particular for her strong scrummaging and work around the pitch.
The Nenagh ladies now face Tralee next Sunday at home, 1pm
and have a score to settle after narrowly losing to them in the league before
Christmas.
Team: Breda Doheny, Laura Nugent, Genevieve Rowland, Niamh
Hogan, Anne O’Reilly, Kyla Maxwell, Colleen McCullough, Sam Zubrzycki, Gillian
Ryan, Bob Ryan, Paula Ryan, Orlagh Shanahan, Eithne Darcy, Jennifer Carter and
Maeve Darcy. Subs: Sandra Farrell.
Training continues Wednesday and Friday nights in the rugby
club at 7:30. New players are always welcome whether you have played before or
are a total beginner. Contact Jen on 087 2201596 or come along to training.
Training for underage girls, u/13, u/15, u/17 and u/19 has
now started up and continues every Friday night from 6:30-7:30 in the rugby
club. Everyone is encouraged to come along and give rugby a try. These are fun
sessions aimed at giving girls an introduction to the game of rugby, teaching
skills and building teamwork.
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Nenagh Ormond Start Up Girls Rugby
In response to the great interest in rugby locally, Nenagh
Ormond has started up rugby for underage girls. In the 125th Anniversary season
of the club, this is another step forward in the development of the game with-in
the community. Girls rugby is played at u/13, u/15, u/17 and u/19 age grades.
Two of the ladies team players who are current members of the
Munster ladies squad are coaching the girls, which began two weeks ago. There
has been a great response to the first two sessions with good turn-outs and
enjoyable nights. Rugby is a great team sport for girls or ladies of any age to
get involved in. It keeps you fit and active, particularly over the winter
months and it is a way to make great friends for life.
The club has a senior ladies team for several seasons, having
started as a development squad and progressing through division three to earn
promotion to division two. Now in their 4th season in division two, the girls
will be hoping to make the All Ireland League playoffs this year having reached
the All-Ireland semi-finals last season.
Training for underage girls, u/13, u/15, u/17 and u/19
continues every Friday night from 6:30-7:30 in the rugby club. Everyone is
encouraged to come along and give rugby a try. These are fun sessions aimed at
giving girls an introduction to the game of rugby, teaching skills and building
teamwork. Whether girls have ever held a rugby ball or not, or for girls who
have played team sports or just don’t think they are the sporty type… there is a
place for everyone in the game of rugby.
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Sunday 7th February - Nenagh
Ladies 12 – 7 Tralee
Nenagh faced Tralee on Sunday last in the second round of the
Munster Cup. Nenagh had a point to prove after narrowly losing to Tralee in the
league before Christmas. The Nenagh girls have been training and playing very
well since the New Year so they were determined to continue their good run of
form.
Tralee played with the wind in the first half and used it to
their advantage to gain territory. On one of just a few visits to the Nenagh 22
in the first half, Tralee won a scrum close to the Nenagh line and after several
rucks keeping it tight, managed to drive over the line to touch down. A good
conversion by their out-half gave Tralee a 7-0 lead. Nenagh dominated possession
but couldn’t threaten the Tralee try line for the first 40 minutes.
The second half was a different story with Nenagh camped in
the Tralee half for almost the remainder of the match. Nenagh clawed back a try
early in the second half from a 5 meter scrum. Maeve D’Arcy picked at number 8
and ran up the blind side, drawing in the Tralee back-row as well as the
defending winger and managed to pass out to Laura Nugent close to try line for
her to touch down in the corner. Trailing 7-5, Nenagh kept the pressure up but
with conditions mucky, the ball just wouldn’t go to hand. Time after time,
Nenagh were their own worst enemy with chances missed due to handling errors.
With only minutes remaining, Nenagh got a penalty and chose
to run it quickly instead of kicking at goal. Paula Ryan tapped and passed the
ball out wide to centre Genevieve Rowland who made a charging run at pace to
burst through several covering defenders and touch down. An excellent conversion
from outhalf Kyla Maxwell put Nenagh into a 12-7 lead. From the restart, Nenagh
retained the ball well in the closing minutes and never gave Tralee a chance to
strike back. Bob Ryan was named player of the match for her excellent work
around the pitch and impressive ball carrying.
The girls are free next weekend and are planning a team night
out before a long run in to the end of the season. They have a packed schedule
for the next two months to make up for all the weather cancellations earlier in
the season.
Team: Breda Doheny, Laura Nugent, Genevieve Rowland, Niamh
Hogan, Jennifer Carter, Kyla Maxwell, Colleen McCullough, Sam Zubrzycki, Gillian
Ryan, Bob Ryan, Barbara Noonan, Maria Butler, Eithne Darcy, Paula Ryan and Maeve
Darcy. Subs: Sandra Farrell, Sarah Walsh.
Training continues Wednesday and Friday nights in the rugby
club at 7:30pm. New players are always welcome whether you have played before or
are a total beginner. Contact Jen on 087 2201596 or come along to training.
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Sunday 7th
March - Nenagh 0 - Youghal 3
Nenagh faced a highly fancied side last Sunday at home, with Youghal being top
of the league and having a clear record of wins. Nenagh started off with a lot
of territory in the Youghal half but unfortunately couldn’t convert this into
scores. With such an excellent team as Youghal, Nenagh found it tough to break
the gain line and were robbed of possession on more than one occasion.
The second half started with the scoreboard reading 0-0. Youghal came out upping
the gear and applying severe pressure to the Nenagh forwards. But Nenagh held
tough with some great play from the entire pack. Nenagh had few scoring chances
in the second half with Youghal defending in all areas of the park. Youghal did
manage to get within inches of the line however the home team forwards held them
short. A penalty in front of the posts just inside the Nenagh 22 failed to be
converted on the first attempt, however the referee deemed an infringement by a
Nenagh player resulted in the kick being re-awarded and converted.
In the last ten minutes Nenagh came attacking into the game putting great
pressure on the Youghal side. Big tackles by Breda Doheny, Jennifer Carter and
Anne O’Reilly kept the Nenagh side going forward and a score was looking
imminent. Unfortunately it was too late and the referee blew it up, final score
being 3-0.
It must be said this was an excellent performance by the Nenagh team,
considering due to injury, they were missing some of their key players. This was
a quality Youghal side but the defence that Nenagh showed on Sunday was very
impressive giving a performance to be very proud of. Player of the match was a
joint award, given to Kyla Maxwell for her excellent kicking and Breda Doheny
for a fine performance at full back.
Nenagh play Thurles away next Sunday in the IRFU Bowl Competition and will be
expecting to get back to their winning ways.
Team: Breda Doheny, Laura Nugent, Jennifer Carter, Niamh
Hogan, Anne O’Reilly, Kyla Maxwell, Colleen McCullough, Sam Zubrzycki, Paula
Ryan, Bob Ryan, Maria Butler, Eithne Darcy, Barbara Noonan, Sandra Farrell and
Maeve Darcy.
Training continues Wednesday and Friday nights in the rugby
club at 7:30pm. Training for underage girls, u/13, u/15, u/17 and u/19 continues
every Friday night from 6:30-7:30 in the rugby club. New players are always
welcome whether you have played before or are a total beginner. Contact Jen on
087 2201596 or come along to training.
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Nenagh Ormond Ladies 36 – Malahide 5
 The
Nenagh Ladies had a comprehensive win last Sunday in the All-Ireland Bowl
Semi-Final. They now face League rivals Tralee in the All-Ireland Final next
Saturday. This will be the first time the Nenagh Ladies have ever contested the
Bowl Final, having won the lower tier Shield on two occasions.
Nenagh got off to a great start putting pressure on Malahide straight away. Two
lineouts five metres out saw Nenagh get over the try line only to be called as
held up and a knock on. A penalty opportunity out left of the posts was
narrowly missed by outhalf Kyla Maxwell and Nenagh started to worry that all
their pressure was not counting on the scoreboard. The first score came after
some good phases by the pack had the Malahide defence sucked in.
 Nenagh
flashed the ball wide to centre Genevieve Rowland who side stepped two defenders
and raced to the line to touch down for five points. Outhalf Kyla Maxwell
added the two to put Nenagh 7-0 ahead. Nenagh kept up the pressure and, forcing
Malahide into a defensive five metre scrum, the Nenagh pack turned over the ball
and drove close to the line. When the ball went wide, winger Anne O’Reilly was
almost in for a try but from the ruck, Rowland spotted a gap around the fringes
and picked and went to score her second out wide.
Nenagh were 12-0 up and took the foot off the pedal, allowing Malahide back into
the game. The Nenagh defence held strong but several infringements at the
breakdown went Malahide’s way. A penalty chance in front of the posts was just
wide. Nenagh knew this was a let off and got their focus back. Getting down
into Malahide’s territory once more, Nenagh increased the pressure, forcing them
into errors. Rowland intercepted an offload and after a quick juggling act
turned on the gas to win the race to the line. Nenagh went in 17-0 ahead at
half time, knowing there was still work to do as Malahide would have the wind in
the second half. The Nenagh pack stepped up against the wind and set up some
excellent mauls, making good ground. From one maul inside the 22, Nenagh rolled
well to keep moving forward and were rewarded with an excellent team try which
was touched down by Paula Ryan. Rowland wasn’t finished though and added two
more tries with Nenagh displaying some good support running and interlinking
between backs and forwards. For the last few minutes of the match, Malahide
seemed to be awarded several consecutive penalties. They eventually drove over
the line for a consolation try minutes from the end. Nenagh were happy with
their overall performance and are improving with every game. However, they are
determined to stay focused and up their performance again for next week.
Team:
Breda Doheny, Niamh Hogan, Genevieve Rowland, Jennifer Carter, Anne O’Reilly,
Kyla Maxwell, Colleen McCullough, Sam Zubrzycki, Gillian Ryan, Bob Ryan, Paula
Ryan, Sandra Farrell, Eithne Darcy, Maria Butler and Maeve Darcy. Subs: Laura
Nugent, Christina Dunne, Maura Hogan.
Training is Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights this week in the rugby club at
7:30. Girls underage training is Friday 6.30-7.30pm. New players are always
welcome whether you have played before or are a total beginner. Contact Jen on
087 2201596 or come along to training.
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Nenagh Ladies v Tralee - All Ireland Bowl
Final - 10th April 2010
Nenagh Ladies 0 – 18 Tralee
The Nenagh Ladies suffered a disappointing defeat to Tralee
in the All-Ireland Bowl Final last Saturday in Dubarry Park, Athlone. Nenagh had
a comprehensive win over Malahide in the semi final and having beaten Tralee
12-7 in the Munster Cup back in February, were confident going into the match.
Tralee hit the ground running and from the kick off, had
Nenagh under pressure in their own half. The Nenagh pack retained the ball well
but Tralee had most of the territory. When Tralee were in possession they always
looked like scoring tries. After some brave tackling and holding Tralee up over
the line, the Nenagh defence was eventually broken when Tralee drove over the
line from a series of pick and goes.
Nenagh were 5-0 down and Tralee were not letting their foot
off the gas. Nenagh soaked up further pressure from their strong pack and pacey
backs and managed to spoil several more attacks. Nenagh didn’t panic and
eventually worked their way into the Tralee 22 and put together several phases
of good rugby. Nenagh out-half Kyla Maxwell had a shot at goal from a penalty
which was bang on target but just dropped short under the bar. Nenagh continued
to work through the phases and managed a few half breaks but the Tralee defence
were always covering in numbers.
Only 5-0 down at half time, Nenagh felt they were far from
playing their best and were still well in the game. Tralee continued to use
their big runners in the pack to good effect. With the breeze behind them for
the second half Tralee put boot to ball and pinned Nenagh inside their own half
for most of the second 40 minutes. Tralee’s second try was scored in the corner
by their pacey winger who looked suspiciously close to having a foot in touch
while she avoided the covering defence.
Nenagh were 10-0 down and finding it hard to get back into
the match. Tralee were strong in all aspects of the game and just seemed more
determined to win. The Nenagh scrum held up well under pressure and they also
displayed much more options at line-out time. However there seemed to be very
few set pieces in the second half. The backline moved the ball well but just
couldn’t find gaps to exploit. Tralee eventually put another try on the board
after sustained pressure close to the Nenagh try line. A penalty chance in front
of the posts close to the end sealed the win for Tralee at 18-0. Gillian Ryan
was Nenagh’s player of the match for her brave determination and never give up
attitude throughout the match.
Tralee were well deserved winners and the better team on the
day. Nenagh’s competitive season is over but wish Tralee all the best as they
continue next week with league play-offs for promotion to Division One and are
hot favourites to complete a League and Bowl double.
Team: Breda Doheny, Niamh Hogan, Genevieve Rowland,
Jennifer Carter, Anne O’Reilly, Kyla Maxwell, Colleen McCullough, Sam Zubrzycki,
Gillian Ryan, Bob Ryan, Aisling O’Neill, Paula Ryan, Eithne Darcy, Maria Butler
and Maeve Darcy. Subs: Laura Nugent, Christina Dunne, Orlagh Shanahan.
Training continues Wednesday and Friday night this week in
the rugby club at 7:30pm. Our French visitors are arriving next Saturday and
will play against the Nenagh Ladies on Sunday afternoon. Training for underage
girls (u/13, u/15, u/17 and u/19) continues Friday nights from 6:30 - 7:30pm.
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