Match Result
- Result: Galwegians Women 19 - Highfield 22
- Venue: Crowley Park on Sun Oct 5th 2014
- Competition: AIL Womens League
Match Report
Galwegians disappointed with season opener.
Galwegians started their 2014 AIL campaign against Highfield, the team that they overcame to claim All Ireland Cup victory last season. It promised to be a close and competitive encounter. Unfortunately, Galwegians could not replicate last season’s winning determination and aggression this time round.
Galwegians were slow to start, allowing Highfield’s drive to be rewarded early in the first half with an opening try off a powerful maul, which Ger Rea converted. Lisa McDonagh replied to this with an incredible display of talent, catching her own kick and chase try. Raftery converted, levelling the sides.
Play was often scrappy between the teams and it wasn’t long before Highfield scored another try, this time in the corner.
Galwegians displayed solid defence on the line and denying two potential tries for Highfield. The frustration was obvious among the Highfield team with the rest of the half laden with penalties. This resulted in Highfield being reduced to 14. Mairead Coyne capatalised on the advantage and levelled the sides once more.
Highfield managed to slice through Galwegian’s defence just before the half time whistle, leaving the sides at 19 – 12 to the visitors.
The second half saw conditions worsen with handling becoming a problem for both teams. A kickable penalty against Galwegians edged Highfield ahead. This was to be their only score of second half. A late try by scrum half Mary Healy and converted again by Raftery, was an injection of belief for the home side but not enough to secure win.
Final score Galwegians 19 – 22 Highfield
The blue belles take on UL Bohs Sunday 12th October in Crowley Park. KO 12.45pm.
