High field RFC too strong for Thurles Women
Thurles women played Highfield in the semi final of the Munster Senior Women's Cup in a David verses Goliath encounter. Unfortunately, Thurles were not to be as successful as David, when they went down 53-0 to their cork opponents.
Thurles started the better team and great carrying by Jean Ryan and Maria Woodlock gave the home side some go forward ball. Thurles were carrying a few knocks from previous games however the starting 15 really did put pressure on the AIL side. It seemed the Thurles women were parked in the highfield 22 however they couldn’t capitalise on this possession. Some good backs play from Niamh Coman and Rebecca Byrne nearly had them over the line. Ruth Purcell made some great inches as did Catherine Kearney. Linda Ryan at scrum half was strong and determined to get quick ball out and Highfield where definitely struggling. However, highfield showed the experience that Thurles just don’t have yet and settled into the game with a great line break. It was obvious to all the spectators that these girls had played for years together compared to the young side from Thurles. It was a hugely physical match, with Joanne Harrison and Maria Whelan giving it everything in the back row, making tackles and trying to make breaks through the highfield wall. The score at half time 17-0.
The second half, unfortunately didn’t go to plan. Highfieldmanaged to get to grips of the usually very successful Thurles line out and this made life difficult. Kirsty harris who made her debut this year hit the highfield centres hard. Angie Kelly and Megan Callanan were very brave as ever in defense but Thurles just couldn’t break the highfield defense. Unfortunately, the AIL side showed the reason they are a division higher, and began finding gaps in the Thurles defense. Thurles fought to the bitter end, with tackles coming in from Gemma Dunican and Stephanie Moore on the wings.
However, the season is not in ruins. It was a massive experience for the Thurles women, who played development last year. Thurles are top of the Munster womens div 1 qualifying league and play st. Senans next weekend at home ko at 12.30. they are now in the All Ireland Shiled qualifier on the 28th of Feb where they play Clonmel. This was a great learning curve for the women, they will bounce back from this defeat and be back on the field Wednesday at 7.45pm for training.

U18 Girls
Massive congratulations to our U18 Girls on their victory over South Cork in the Munster Bowl Final played at Garryowen RFC on Saturday