Longford Ladies RFC 3

Barnhall RFC 0 

Longford Ladies are now keen contenders for this year's Provincial Cup with a win under their belt after travelling to Barnhall on Sunday last. 

Under cool conditions, the Longford side had a strong start. With Barnhall committing a fatal penalty right in front of their posts, McKeown easily kicked over a penalty, clean between the posts, leaving the score 3-0 ten minutes into the game. 

With quick rucks from the forwards and a strong front line, Longford had the majority of possession in the first half. Breaks from both the forwards and backs kept the home-side on their toes.

The second half started off again with the Longford the stronger side. However, with simple mistakes and lack of team work, Barnhall were slowly creeping back into the game. 

Coaches Lulham and Smyth were disappointed that Longford did not score a try which was there for the taking on several occasions. 

It was thirteen minutes into the second half when a great break was made by Dowd followed with a powerful surge the front row of Lulham, Hanley, and Lennon. A quick ball was let out to McKeown who in turn passed it to Brady, and the Longford forwards surged onwards in an excellent maul. 

With the likes of such powerful players such as Coy, McGeoy and captain McDermott, the Longford ladies were very unfortunate not to score a try, with Barnhall proving a very hard line to break.Barnhall made some great runs and soon had Longford under pressure.

Great tackles were made by Nulty, Bird and McGuire, however this was not enough and it wasn't long before Barnhall had made their way into the Longford half. 

Full back Connefry was very involved in the game and under some serious pressure but held strong and made some great kicks with Martin, Kearney and Nulty running onto them. 

With Barnhall holding strong in defence they were soon in the Longford half and in the last five minutes of the game Longford were defending within metres of their try line.

They held strong with some great scrummaging from forwards Murphy, Geelan and Duke. It was not the most complete of performances as a lot of work has to be done for the Midland team to reach their full potential. Longford will take on Malahide away this weekend.

The girls will be hoping for a much better performance as will coaches Lulham and Smyth.  

Team: Elaine McDermott (Captain), Karen Lennon, Maura Hanly, Mairead Coy, Lisa Brady, Samantha Lulham, Nuala McGoey, Yvonne Dowd, Sharon Mc Keown, Imelda McGuire, Ciara Kearney, Lisa Nulty, Michelle Bird, Cindy Geelan, Ann Duke, Helen Connefry, Bernice Martin, Mags Murphy
Coaches: David Lulham, Ciaran Smyth

Provincial Cup 2010 

Fixtures for the Cup: 

7th February - Longford V Malahide (away)
14th February - Longford V Portlaoise (home)  

Training
Feeling unfit and bored after Christmas? Rugby is a great way to meet new people and get fit in a fun way. All new players are welcome. Training has resumed and takes place on Tuesday and Friday at 7:30.