Women 19 – Blackrock 17

Galwegians returned to winning ways in their recent league fixture on Sunday when they beat old rivals Blackrock in an exhilarating battle until the end on their home ground in Stradbrook Road, Dublin.

Galwegians displayed excellent workrate and pressure from the start and this hard work and perseverance paid off when Heather Cary opened the scoring with an excellent try under the posts with 10 minutes into the match. Clare Raftery meticulously converted the try, 7-0 to the visitors.

Galwegians played very well attacking, defending and rucking with conviction consistently throughout the first half. The visitors kept the pressure on and ten minutes later saw Sarah Jane Fox sail over the tryline to get Galwegians their second try of the game, no conversion, bringing the tally to 12-0 to Galwegians.

At half time, Galwegians had a comfortable lead. However a steadfast Blackrock side returned in the second half determined to stop the Blue Belles in their tracks. Ten minutes into the second half and the hosts looked dangerous in the Galwegians’ 22. Their efforts eventually paid off with a try after a string of powerful forwards play and pick and go options utilised well. They failed to convert, 12-5.

Blackrock were awarded a penalty minutes later and they caught an unaware Galwegians’ side and they raced over the try line again to get their second try of the match, they converted thus levelling the sides, 12-12.

The remainder of the game was tightly contested with both sides working tenaciously to eke out a win. Blackrock went ahead for the first time in the game when they scored third try, no conversion, 17-12.

Unshaken by this turn of events Galwegians remained composed and focussed and regained possession and with minutes remaining on the clock Galwegians set up camp in Blackrock’s 22. Ursula Sammon exploited a gap on the corner and plunged over the tryline to celebratory uproars from the side line, thus levelling the sides. Clare Raftery then sealed the deal with a conversion from a difficult angle which was not a problem to the ever reliable number 10, bringing the tally to 19-17 to Galwegians.

With the full time whistle seconds away Galwegians received the kick off and happily kicked for touch, ending this nail biting contest to massive cheers of elation from the Blues and their supporters.

Galwegians will have repeat and improve on this performance as they will encounter Blackrock again on the 05/02/17 for the quarter final of the AIL Cup competition of which they are the current champions. KO at 1pm, as always all support welcome.