061019 Women’s Leinster League Division 4 Longford 75 Athy 5

Longford Women took on Athy in their first home game of the season hoping to build on their great away win to North Meath/Swords last Sunday and they did so with great aplomb.  Athy kicked off the game.  Longford received the kick off and ran through the phases with Megan Banahan crossing the line for their first try of the day. Banahan converted to add the extra 2 points.

It wasn’t long until Longford crossed again as Banahan collected the ball from the restart and passed out the backs for Leanne Keegan to run in under the posts from the half way line. Banahan was successful adding the extra 2. Longford were forced to work harder for their next try with possession being lost and won back numerous times before Keegan crossed the line in the corner for her second try of the day after great work from the forwards.  The conversion was narrowly missed from a tight angle. Longford were then forced to work hard in defence and with a great turnover by Hannah Shea, Longford were back on the attack. Great carries by the forwards, Fidelma Fallon, Michelle Farrell and Rebecca Duffy helped Longford gain crucial ground. Emma Dardis’ quick thinking allowed Banahan to dance her way through Athy’s defence and run under the posts for her second try of the game.  Banahan kicked another successful conversion.  This was followed up by some great work from the backs allowed Megan Jobe to find a gap before being dragged down before the line but Keegan was there to receive the lay-off to cross for her third try of the day to secure her hat trick. Banahan was yet again successful on front of the posts leaving it 33-0 at half time. Longford were by no means perfect in the first half and had lots to improve on in the second half against a physically strong Athy side.

Longford kicked the ball to the opposition to start the second half. Monica Bannon and Maria Kelleher put pressure on Athy early on and caused a knock-on. The scrums were uncontested in this game, which was 13 aside. Quick hands from the backs allowed Keegan to run in for her fourth and final try of the day. Banahan was again successful on front of the posts. Athy started to put the pressure on, causing silly mistakes from the Longford side. Athy were unable to take advantage of Longford’s handling errors and possession was won back after a brave steal by Shauna Cahill. Super carries from the pack set up Maria Kelleher to run in a well deserved try, which was successfully converted.  Athy made great ground with the restart putting Longford under pressure yet again. Catriona Farrelly made an excellent tackle to force Athy’s winger out over the side line.  Longford then had a line-out within their own 5 metre line and failed to protect the ball resulting in Athy scoring their only try of the day after a great effort which was unconverted.  Rachel O’Farrell returned to the centre after a tough few weeks of injury but this didn’t stop her as she ran in two consecutive tries after two super solo runs. With Banahan now off the field of play due to injury, Megan Jobe was handed the responsibility of kicking and was successful with the two conversions. Longford were then back on the attack with Keegan making a super break and tearing up Athy’s defence but her unselfish play allowed Emma Dardis to cross the line with her hard work all day finally paying off. Jobe added the extra 2 points. Longford’s final try of the day came from super carries from Emma McHugh and Roisin Shaw, allowing Dardis to flash the ball out the backs and Jobe then ran through the tired Athy defence and added the extra 2 to finish off Longford’s scoring for the day. The final score was 75-5.  It was a fantastic win and makes it 2 from 2 in the league so far.  However, Longford still have lots to improve on before their next outing which is in two weeks’ time against a tough Barnhall side in Parsonstown.

Longford Squad: Fidelma Fallon, Shauna Cahill, Emma McHugh, Michelle Farrell, Rebecca Duffy, Dora Ledwith, Emma Dardis, Megan Banahan, Monica Bannon, Leona Hoare, Leanne Keegan, Megan Jobe, Catriona Farrelly. Subs: Maria Kelleher, Roisin Shaw, Hannah Shea, Gillian McDonnell, Anita Walker & Rachel O’Farrell. 

Well done to all the girls on another display of hard work which has led to a great start to the season. Super effort put in by all and a huge contribution from the bench got us the well deserved win.