Thurles Women's RFC v Clonmel

Munster Plate Final

Thurles Women’s RFC were 18 – 5 winners over Clonmel in the Munster Women’s plate final in Limerick on Sunday. Both teams got off to a nervous but determined start and Thurles found themselves defending a strong Clonmel attack early in the game. Ruth Purcell, Maria Woodlock and Miriam Harrison all putting in fantastic tackles to prevent Clonmel making ground. Clonmel were denied a try early in the game and the ball was successfully cleared down the line.

Once again from the lineout Clonmel were on the attack but Thurles were solid in defence and Aisling O’Hagan secured a wonderful turn-over for Thurles. A Megan Callanan clearance marked the start of a good passage of attacking play from Thurles. Ciara O’Dwyer was particularly impressive for Thurles with two fantastic carries within moments of each other. Joanne Harrison and Maria Woodlock putting in some impressive rucking.

The first score of the game came from the boot of Megan Callanan, who had a fantastic game. Thurles took a 3 – 0 lead. Clonmel were determined to score from the re-start and they scored a try to claim the lead from Thurles. Although the conversion was missed they had a narrow 3 -5 lead.

Thurles were strong from the re-start with Niamh Coman and Ruth Purcell making great ground in attack. Thurles were awarded two further penalties in the first half and Megan Callanan successfully scored one right in front of the posts to give Thurles a 6- 5 lead at half time.

Early in the second half Clonmel were on the attack but a wonderful tackle from Kirsty Harris saw Clonmel loose possession and Thurles player Gemma Dunican was on hand to claim the ball. Thurles were dominant for a brief while but a determined Clonmel went on the attack again forcing Thurles players Jean Ryan and Maria Whelan to put in fantastic tackles. A wonderful defensive passage of play with Linda Ryan putting in a solid tackle allowed possession to come to Maria Whelan who made great ground. Gemma Dunican, Aisling Byrne and Kirsty Harris put in some wonderful passes and drives to make good ground. Thurles first try came from this passage of play that saw Clonmel unable to hold out against the speed and skill of Aisling O’Hagan. With the conversion attempt missed by the narrowest of margins the score stood 11 – 5 in favour of Thurles.

With Clonmel once again in possession and only six points behind their pace and determination was evident and Thurles were once again forced to defend with both Miriam and Joanne Harrison putting in fantastic tackles. A penalty for Thurles allowed Megan Callanan to clear the ball and take the pressure off. A wonderful lineout ensued and Thurles were once again building an attack with fantastic carries from Laura Carroll and Megan Callanan.

However, possession was once again lost to a Clonmel side that were eager to score and would have done so were it not for the magnificent defensive play from Aisling O’Hagan. The following ten minutes saw the sides swap possession a number of times. Thurles second try came from a Clonmel clearance which was skilfully won by Maria Woodlock to put Thurles on the attack. Once again Aisling O’Hagan was able to break through the Clonmel defence and score her second try. Megan Callanan duly converted and Thurles were now 18 – 5 ahead.

With ten minutes remaining Clonmel were not prepared to give up and went on the attack from the re-start but with Thurles firm in defence they were unable to score. Thurles finished the game in attack with some skilful rugby with Catherine Kearney and Maria Woodlock combining to drive forward and Niamh Coman making some great ground. The score finished 18 – 5 in favour of Thurles. Well done to all. Well done and thanks to coaches Sean Lanigan Ryan and Sean Flanagan and thanks to all those who came in support.