Thurles Womens RFC had a narrow 5-0 victory over visitors St. Senans on Sunday in Thurles. Senans were on the attack early in the game and their kicking and speed looked threatening but Thurles were very strong in defence and the visitors failed to make any real ground. Conditions were very tough under foot and it was not the usual nice passing game Thurles like. The first attack form Thurles was an impressive one. A Thurles lineout was won confidently by joanneHarrison and Thurles set up their attacking maul which was massively impressive all day.
However just as Thurles made ground, Senans managed to turn over position and kick the ball down field with the wind in the first half and this ment Thurles at to re start their attack from well inside their own half. Thurles were the better side in the ensuing minutes of the game with both the forwards and backs impressive. Aisling O’ Hagan with wonderful support play from Aisling Byrne were particularly impressive for the backs. Aisling picked up a knock in one of the first attacks but managed to play on. Forwards Joanne Harrison and Maria Whelan were both solid in attack. In the dying moments of the first half Thurles got some great go forward ball from their line out which was excellent all day. a superb run from kirstyharris and wonderful support play from the forwards gave Thurles a real opportunity to put points on the board. However the wet heavy ground and tough conditions allowed senans to turn over the ball just metres away from the try line. Thurles denied any points at half time even though they had a lot of possession. 0-0 at half time.
The second half started well for the home side. They carried strong and made ground gradually around the fringes. However the wet slippy ball really didn’t suit the Thurles women and handling errors along with senans rock solid defence ment Thurles found it hard to make serious ground. Thurles dug deep and players such as Linda Ryan, Jean Ryan and Angie Kelly showed composure carrying strong and putting in great tackles. Time seemed to be slipping by but some strong characters stepped up most notably Maria Woodlock, Ruth Purcell and Megan Callanan and put senanson the back foot. A little chip kick from Gemma Dunican on the wing put pressure on senans in the last 10 minutes. The line out was won by joanne Harrison and Thurles started off mauling inside the senans 22. Maria Whelan broke off the back of the maul and touched down. 5-0 to the home side.
Thurles defended well in the closing minutes of the game and at full time a well deserved 5-0 victory over strong opponents St. Senans. The women go on to play Tralee in the league decider. They play Clonmel next week in the plate final.