Women 17 – Tullamore 10

Galwegians’ AIL Cup campaign kicked off against Tullamore this weekend. Contested in wintry conditions in Tullamore RFC the National Cup champions started the cup competition with a victory against a feisty Tullamore side.

Tullamore were extremely determined and were clearly hungry to clench a win against the current Irish Cup Champions. The hosts continued to put good pressure on Galwegians from the start and throughout the game. However it was the visitors who maintained about 60% of the possession throughout much of the first half.

Galwegians made some early changes with Catherine Collins coming off the bench for Celia Killalea. Ina Butler replaced Laura Ruddy and Sammon returned to her familiar position on the wing. Furthermore minutes before half time saw Gannon being replaced by former World cup winner, Black Fern Beth Mallard.

After a tightly contested period of play Tullamore opened the scoring with a try 29 minutes into the game which they failed to convert.

Galwegians responded by putting pressure on Tullamore with Heather Cary scoring a try after a Galwegians scrum on the Tullamore 5 metre line, converted by Clare Raftery edging Galwegians into the lead just before half time, 7-5.

In the second half Galwegians brought a much needed injection of pace and a classic move by the number 12, Emma Clery saw her intercept a pass in the middle of the pitch and raced until she stormed over the line and score underneath the posts. This was closely followed by Ursula Sammon who got over the line bringing the tally to 17-5 to the visitors.

A tenacious Tullamore side were focussed on narrowing this gap and managed to make their way down to the Galwegians’ 22 however excellent Galwegians’ defence managed to keep the hosts from scoring and swift foot work from Noreen Coyne (15) kicked the ball well clear out of danger. However Tullamore instantly retaliated and marched down on the return of the kick and made their way close to the Galwegian 5 metre line once again and set up camp for what seemed an eternity putting solid pressure on the Blue Belles. Tullamore’s efforts paid off when their no. 13 secured a try with no conversion, 17-10 to Galwegians. Shortly after Tullamore suffered a blow when their number 13 was sent to the bin for an illegal tackle. However in spite of being reduced to fourteen players the game remained quite tight and with ten minutes remaining on the clock Tullamore looked dangerous in the Galwegians’ 22 however a knock on at a crucial time allowed Galwegians to regain possession.

The nail biting action continued into extra time and Tullamore looked dangerously close to scoring again however Galwegians managed to regain possession. A crooked throw in the lineout handed over control once more to Tullamore and they were awarded a scrum on Galwegians’ ten metre line. Galwegians managed to secure the ball once again and kicked for touch thus ending the game and securing the victory against a deflated gutsy Tullamore side. Great pressure by Tullamore however Galwegians who persisted throughout the game were the victors.

Galwegians will return to league action this Sunday 15/01/17 at home in Crowley Park, KO 1pm. They will face familiar foes Highfield, all support welcome.