Women 32 – Blackrock 10

Galwegians secured a coveted top four finish in a tense match against second place Blackrock at home on Sunday. Irrespective of the final score, this was a tough battle between the two sides, yet Galwegians’ determination and hard work earned them a well-deserved semi-final spot.

Galwegians were first to score with a penalty after just 5 minutes. Blackrock responded with a penalty of their own 3 minutes later. Galwegians were quick to retaliate with a try from outhalf, Sene Naoupu, following an excellent break from number eight, Ciara O Connor. The try was converted by number fifteen, Claire Raftery.

The Galwegian scrum displayed ferocious superiority in the first half and a great break, this time from Lisa McDonagh, resulted in another try from the Sevens player after 21 minutes. Naoupu completed her hat trick of tries after 30 minutes, following a momentum of forward play that opened up the Blackrock defence for the outhalf. The home side were up 22-3 at half time.

The Dublin side returned to the pitch with tenacious back play, resulting in a try just 3 minutes into the second half. The try was converted.

The frustration and tension between the two teams was evident in the increasing penalty count and after 52 minutes Galwegians were reduced to 14. However, Blackrock failed to capitalise on this advantage, with Galwegians retaining possession for the majority of the second half. After 60 mintues, Claire Raftery crossed the line for her own try.

A final penalty from Raftery on the 73^rd minute sealed the victory for the blue belles and also a third place position on the AIL table.

Final score Galwegians 32 – 10 Blackrock

The AIL semi final takes place Sunday 7^th December. Galwegians take on Blackrock yet again in what hopes to be a repeat display of Sunday’s clash.