Womens Firsts 15 – Suttonians 10

In a refix of last year’s Conference final, Galwegians Women’s 1st XV gained their revenge over last season’s winners Suttonians when they came away with a well deserved win under lights last Saturday. The boot of Nicole Fowley put the first three points on the board with a penalty into the Dublin road end. They then stretched their lead when centre Orla Dixon scored the game’s opening try. It came following a strong Wegians scrum, and a perfectly executed pass from out-half and captain Fowley created the opportunity which Dixon took with aplomb. Fowley’s conversion put the Blue Belles well in control, however Suttonians then retaliated with an unconverted try by Sophie Gibney just before half time.

Wegians came into the second half with a 10-5 lead, but a strong Suttonians came out after the break. They soon levelled the game when Janita Karita scored another unconverted try from a strong pick and go. The majority of the second half was all to play for, but a key moment saw the North Dubliners reduced to 14 women following a red card for a dangerous high tackle down at the clubhouse end. Wegians pressure eventually told with a late try from Nicole Fowley to the left of the posts, which sealed a hard-earned victory.

Thank you to Suttonians for traveling to Crowley Park and challenging us to such a physical game.

The Blue Belles now face their second consecutive AIL Conference Final. This time they face Wicklow in the Final this Saturday evening away at 5pm. Wicklow won their recent AIL League game at the same venue in a very tight contest, so this Saturday should be no different with it all to play for.