Match Report: Women v New Ross, 14th Jan

Balbriggan’s women had an early start last Sunday as they undertook the long trip down to New Ross for another crucial encounter in their Leinster League Division 2 campaign.

Balbriggan travelled with a full squad and started the brighter putting the home side on the back foot from the get go. Resolute defence from New Ross kept their try line intact as they survived the opening onslaught. It was proving to be a forwards based struggle with both packs going at each other hammer and tongs. 

Eventually the Balbriggan pressure told when Abi Dungan, who had an outstanding game throughout, drove over from close range for the opening score. Shannon Campbell added the conversion to open up a seven point lead.

New Ross dominated the rest of the half and the physicality of the game took its toll with Balbriggan captain Eadoin Cannon forced off, despite trying to play through the pain for a while. Jess Kelleher replaced her initially and had a number of strong carries herself in a very good cameo.

Just when it looked like Balbriggan had seen off the home challenge, New Ross struck with the last play of the half when good interplay between backs and forwards saw them cross in the corner for an unconverted try. Half time New Ross 5 Balbriggan 7.

Balbriggan regrouped at the break and playing with the benefit of a strengthening wind, upped their intensity on the restart. Balbriggan pretty much took up camp in the New Ross 22 for most of the third quarter. Try as they might they just couldn’t breach the heroic home defence. When they did, Laura Brown was denied by an incredible last ditch tackle that bundled her into touch in goal before she could ground the ball.

Next up was Abi Dungan who after another strong carry was deemed to be held up over the line with New Ross relieved to escape with a goal line drop out. The game was very much in the balance when Balbriggan were awarded a penalty in the 22 and opted for the kick at goal. Unfortunately, Shannon’s effort was pulled left and wide and New Ross escaped again.

Eventually the pressure paid off when after a number of strong carries from Holly Keogh and Lorna McKenna (who put in a monumental 80 minute shift in the second row), Balbriggan found themselves knocking on the door again. This time from 5m out Abi wasn’t going to be denied and she forced her way over for a crucial score. Shannon found her range with the conversion and Balbriggan had some breathing space at 5-14 up.

Balbriggan soon pinned New Ross back into their own half and a fantastic surge by Caoimhe Colman broke the defensive line and quick hands saw Emily Kitson skate over for the insurance score. Shannon converted again and the lead stretched out to 5-21.

There was still time for both teams to try and secure bonus points but the defence on both sides held firm, the game ending in a 5-21 win for the visitors.

The result leaves Balbriggan top of the table with three games remaining and New Ross, with a game in hand, still with much to play for in the promotion stakes. This was a fabulous game of rugby played in great spirit by two fully committed teams.

Thanks to New Ross for the hospitality after the game and the big number of supporters who made the long trip down. It was a very tired but happy Balbriggan squad that enjoyed the post match celebrations on the journey home.

Next match is away to Clondalkin on 28 January all support, as always, very welcome.

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