Womanâs Leinster League Division 3: Longford Canterbury Warriors 13
Balbriggan 9
Longford Canterbury Warriors took on Balbriggan in CPL Park on Sunday on a
day where conditions were perfect for rugby. The Warrior's received the kick
and worked the ball well through several phases with Leanne Early and Lisa
Brady breaking tackles. Balbriggan conceded a penalty inside the 22 and up
stepped out half Carol Manning to split the posts; 3 to 0.
It was now Balbrigganâs turn to put the
pressure on and having put some good plays together they were now deep inside
the Warriors half and it wasn't long until they had a penalty. Their kicker had
no problem in putting it straight between the posts; 3 to 3
This was looking like a very tight
contest with both teams evenly matched. The Warriors were on the attack again
with the backs now getting in on the act, Aishling Ormsby and Rebecca O
Hara were combining well but the Balbriggan defence were holding firm. The
visitors started putting in some clever kicks testing winger Irene Murtagh and
fullback Lorraine Connor who coped well in her new position. Line outs were
strong for Balbriggan and they used the rolling maul to make good effect. The
Warrior's conceded another penalty and the visitors stepped up and scored; 3 to
6.
Longford were determined to get back up
the field and with some great carries from Tina Edwards and Amanda Lennon they
were right back in the Balbriggans half. The forwards were drawing in defenders
and when the ball went out the backs some great off loads saw Claire Clabby
stopped just short of the try line. For the last few minutes of the half
Longford were pounding the try line but just couldn't find away passed the
strong Balbriggan defence.
The second half started with Balbriggan
in control and with their backs breaking through tackles the Longford defence
was struggling. The Warrior's indiscipline was costing them and after conceding
a penalty it was brought forward to make it an easy 3 points for the visitors;
3 to 9
The Warriors were now determined to get
the next score and with Kirsty Smyth, Tara Farrell and Sharon Leonard leading
the way it wasn't long before they were in the opposition 22. Balbriggan were
now giving away penalties, scrum half Nuala McGoey took a quick one 5
metres out and having sucked in a few defender's Amanda Lennon was quick to
pick up and drive over the line under the posts. Carol Manning converted the
try under pressure from a good chase; 10 to 9
The Warrior's scrum was now starting to
get a good push on with prop Fiona Dowd getting the better of her opposite
number but a moment of indiscipline at a ruck saw her spending 10 mins on the side
line. Balbriggan having the extra player were now surging forward but the
Warriors defence was holding firm with the choke tackle being very effective.
Subs Maggie Murphy and Lisa O Donnell entered the field and added fresh legs to
the Warriors effort. Now restored to 15, Longford began to put the Balbriggan
defence under pressure and having conceded a few penalties it was the away teams
time to go down to 14. With the advantage of the extra player the Warriors
drove forward and forced another penalty which Carol converted.
Balbriggan came right back at Longford
trying to get back in front but the Warriors were having none of it and ran the
clock down while in possession to leave the full time score 13-9. This was an
important win as Balbriggan were only 2 points behind Longford in the table
before the match.
The Warriors are away to Garda/Westmanstown next Sunday. Training continues
every Tuesday and Friday at 19:30.
