Women 44 – Cooke 43

The hosts overcame Cooke by a slender one point victory in what was a thrilling battle that went blow for blow until the final whistle and did not fail to entertain.

Galwegians received the ball and began their campaign with intent and after a mere 5 minutes Sarah Jane Fox opened the scoreline with a try, no conversion. Cooke swiftly responded with a try which they converted bringing the tally 7-5 to Cooke.

A good solid scrum produced clean ball and allowed Galwegians to work through their phases and march their way down to the Cooke 22. Excellent handling from the backs saw Ursula Sammon exploit a gap on the Cooke wing as she raced over the line for a try which Nicole Fowley converted with precision. 16 minutes into the game and Galwegians crept into the lead 12-7. Mairead Coyne solidified this lead with another try ten minutes later further widening the Blue Belle’s lead to 17-7.

Both teams tackled, rucked and defended tirelessly in this tit for tat battle. Impressive ball carries from Feely, Mc Mahon, O’Connor and Roux continued consistently throughout the game. However a momentary lapse in the Wegians defence saw Cooke side step their way over the try line leaving the score at 17-12 in Galwegians’ favour. Galwegians received another blow when a questionable referee decision saw Emma Clery in the bin for 10 minutes. Cooke came again and scored off their scrum on the Galwegians’ 22 which they converted allowing them to edge into the lead 19-17 at 38 minutes gone. Galwegians retaliated without delay when Mairead Coyne got over the line for a try putting Galwegians back into the lead 22-19 just before the half time whistle.

Both teams returned after half time with clear intent however it was Cooke that opened the scoring with a try from their 13 which they converted. Cooke 26-22. Unphased by Cooke’s lead Galwegians diligently worked through their phases until Cary scrambled over the line with an excellent try putting the Blues into a one point lead, 27-26. Then saw Mairead Coyne make a great break from her own 22 the length of the field with Ursula Sammon in close support receiving her off load and cruising over the line, 32-26 to Galwegians. Defiantly Cooke capitalised on a string of missed tackles and romped over the try line bringing the score to 32-33, Cooke taking the lead once more. True to this game’s form Galwegians responded vengefully seeing Mairead Coyne grace the try line yet again 37-33.

Moments later a swift interception from the Cooke 13 allowed Cooke to take the reins once again scoring a try which they converted. Cooke were awarded a penalty which they scored bringing the tally to 43-37.

It looked as though Cooke had secured the victory until Nicole Fowley made a sensational break and dodged three Cooke defenders and touched down between the posts. Outhalf Clare Raftery under immense pressure converted the try which brought the game to a climactic finish. The final whistle blew drawing to a close this thrilling and exhilarating contest, 44 to Galwegians 43 to Cooke.

Galwegians will face Railway Union in Dublin on Sunday at Railway’s home turf this Sunday 25-09-16 in what promises to be an extremely competitive and physical encounter. If it’s anything like this week’s performance…bring a defibrillator!