Thurles Women’s Rugby 46 – 8 Shannon RFC
Thurles Womens RFC secured top of the league after their victory this weekend. Sundays 46-8 victory away in a hard fought battle against limerick side Shannon means that Thurles Women’s RFC are the only team with just one loss to date in the league. Thurles opened up the scoring within the opening minutes of the game with a wonderfully executed try from Kirsty Harris, who had a wonderful attacking game. The angle was difficult for conversion, and although Megan Callanan has had a wonderful year so far with the boot, on this occasion it was unsuccessful. Thurles however fell asleep at the restart and Shannon knew how to punish with a try of their own within minutes.
This gave Thurles the wake up call they needed and they controlled the game from then on. An impressive solo run by Ashling O’Hagan meant that Thurles gained vital ground. Some great picks by forwards like Jean Ryan and Joanne Harrison gave Thurles some go forward ball around ruck time. Laura Carroll powered over the line right in the corner. A great try by the pack. Thurles were in control of the restart and succeeded in bringing play within yards of the Shannon try line. A scrum awarded to them in a wonderful attacking position, allowed for a passage of play that was text-book in its execution. A skilled offload to Niamh Coman from Miriam Harrison, left a gap for Aisling O’Hagan to touch down right under the post. Rebecca Byrne secured Thurles bonus point in the dying minutes of the first half, with some great foot work. The score at half time 22-5.
Thurles were in control for much of the second half and were confident both in attack and defence. Although their discipline might have let them down on occasion. In the first few minutes, Shannon secured the restart and worked up the field testing the Thurles defence. A penalty for off side gave Shannon a chance to put their stamp on this game before it got out of their control. However Thurles were patient and when the opportunity arose Gemma Dunican scored a wonderfully executed try from a great pass by Linda Ryan. Laura Carroll drove over for her second try of the day moments later. Megan Callanan found her kicking form and slotted the conversion over with ease. The seventh try came from centre Niamh Coman. After some great pack work, this gave the backs some go forward ball, leaving gaps in the Shannon defence. Ciara Dwyer got the final try of the day. Ciara who is settling in to her new position very comfortably drove over the Shannon line effortlessly.
With the Thurles women’s squad seeing a surge in numbers, Sundays game gave coaches the perfect opportunity to field an experimental side and give some newcomers vital game experience. A spirited and confident team performance which saw both seasonal players like Maria Whelan and newcomers like Angela Kelly, to name but two, put in quality performances give the team confidence ahead of the final league game before Christmas, against Fermoy. Kick-of is at 1p.m. in Thurles Rugby Club. With Thurles women’s team going from strength to strength support for what promises to be a thrilling encounter would be appreciated.
