Galwegians v Carrick Women

Recap

Defeat but a team rises from the ashes

Having not played a competitive game in two years Carrick women met a strong Galwegians side in a game which for many of the Carrick girls was their first taste of contact rugby.

The first third was spent in defensive mode as the Carrick girls tried to get to grips with the new 10s format which Galwegians, having played a game already, were able to adapt that much better. A few missed tackles was all it took for Wegians speedster to register a number of tries in those opening 20 minutes leaving the scoreboard looking very lopsided.

After the break Carrick took the game to Galwegians, having sorted their defensive frailties they began to pilfer ball, Marie Clerkin making great gains in the contact area providing turn over ball which ultimately resulted in Carrick’s first try, a great run and finish by Michelle Duffy. Carrick continued to press Wegians for a lot of the third with marauding runs from Catriona Kielty and Una Creegan giving Galwegians plenty to think about as Carrick eyed another try which did come through no nonsense Creegan. On the up and approaching the break Carrick’s concentration slipped and Wegians crossed the line. Unperturbed, Carrick attacked Wegians straight from the kick off with Amy McDonagh’s excellent chase forcing a clearing kick which was picked up by Michelle Duffy who made great yards just falling short of the line, the quick recycle found its way to Catriona Kielty who crossed for Carrick’s third try. At the break it was 3 tries to 2 in Carrick’s favour and things were looking up.

Start of the final third and Carrick’s endeavour didn’t waiver as they went in search of more scores. Sinead Kenny, Aoife Kelly & Imelda Smith all carried well while the ever probing Marie Clerkin was finding space and linking well with Duffy, and in turn Creegan.

Grace Golden was reintroduced for one of Carrick’s stars on the night Una Creegan after she shipped a heavy knock. With the break in play Carrick’s intensity dipped and Galwegians began to assert themselves on a tiring Carrick side as they ran in a number of tries in the closing stages. Not giving up team captain Aoife Kelly broke the line to make great yardage before being hauled turfward, the stand out attacking play of the third for Carrick.

Whilst the score difference was big it’s not unfair to say it didn’t reflect the game in its entirety. Galweigians showed their experience and athleticism but having blooded new players such Lidia Filip, Aisling Moran & Grace Golden the game was an invaluable experience. The periods of Carrick possession, particularly in the second third will only stoke the fires of belief and given more time and attention these girls can compete.

Team: 1. Catriona Kielty 2. Imelda Smith 3. Aisling Moran 4. Aoife Kelly (captain) 5. Lidia Filip 9. Marie Clerkin 10. Michelle Duffy 11. Grace Golden 12. Una Creegan 15. Sinead Kenny 16. Amy McDonagh 17. Paula O’Dowd 18. Caroline Lavin. Replacements: Amy McDonagh for Grace Golden