A hat-trick of tries from Ciara O’Dwyer saw Thurles Women’s RFC overcome the challenge of Clonmel on a 17 – 7 score line at home in Sunday’s opening Cup fixture. Both sides showed real determination in the opening encounters of the game, attacking and defending with equal vigour to ensure that both sides remained scoreless in the initial stages Jean Ryan and Joanne Harrison were impressive for Thurles in the opening minutes of the game.

Thurles were dominant in the scrum and this gave them early advantage with Ruth Purcell and Maria Woodlock taking advantage. Thurles were just as strong in defence as they were in attack and Niamh Coman put in some fantastic tackles and Catherine Kearney rucking with real determination. Thurles seemed to have the upper hand mid way through the first half with great carries from Linda Ryan and Ruth Purcell as well as co-ordinated and confident back play from Kirsty Harris and Niamh Coman.

Thurles first real opportunity came from a wonderful run from Aisling O’Hagan who was unlucky not to breach to the try line. Clonmel were awarded a scrum but they were unable for the force and determination of the drive from the Thurles forwards who had a very physical game in tough conditions. In the passage of play that followed Miriam Harrison and Aisling O’Hagan put great pressure on the visitors and secured possession for the home side. Megan Callanan’s fantastic kick for touch saw Thurles safe once more.

Thurles were unlucky not to score from a penalty at a tight angle late in the first half but there was little denying that they looked threatening. They did not have to wait long as Ciara O’Dwyer went in over the line for her first try late in the first half, an unsuccessful conversion attempt left the score line 5 – 0 at half time.

Thurles looked to build on their points tally early in the second half with a wonderful turn over from Miriam Harrison and some brilliant play from Jean Ryan. Ciara O’Dwyer wasted little time in going in over the line with great support play from Megan Callanan. Callanan successfully converted to give the home side a 12 – 0 advantage. Clonmel showed that they are worthy adversaries a short time later with a determined try which showed their sheer strength and determination. The conversion was successful, narrowing Thurles’ lead to just 5 points on a 12 -7 score line.

A short time later Ciara O’Dwyer topped off a game in which had shown real skill, determination and strength with her third try of the day. The final score was 17 – 7 in favour of Thurles, although Thurles were incredibly unlucky not to have scored on a number of other occasions. The final score was reflective of the tough battle fought both teams.




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