Balbriggan’s women’s team took to the road again last Sunday for a spin down the M7 to Portarlington to play the Port Dara Falcons. Despite a number of players being unavailable, a full squad travelled for this tricky encounter.
Playing against a strong wind in the first half Balbriggan tried to put pressure on the hosts from the outset. Some strong runs from player of the match Geraldine Byrne, and fellow prop Holly Keogh prevented the hosts from getting any momentum. A stirring passage of inter play between forwards and backs culminated with hooker Steph Campbell driving over for the first score of the game.
Port Dara’s defence held firm and they managed to frustrate the Balbriggan team from turning territorial dominance into more scores. Balbriggan had a number of chances to extend their lead but just came up short. Half time Port Dara 0 Balbriggan 5.
The second half kicked off with Balbriggan now enjoying the benefit of the strong wind. It wasn’t long before they extended their lead. A lovely break by Emily Kitson cut through the defence. She fed the supporting Laura McDonald who drew in the full back before returning the ball to Emily to score under the posts. In tough conditions for kickers Shannon Campbell judged the wind perfectly to nail the conversion.
Port Dara came back strongly and for the first time in the game exerted some continuous pressure on the Balbriggan defence. They got their reward from a series of quick penalties to score an unconverted try in the corner.
Balbriggan regrouped and didn’t let this setback put them off. Buoyed by the introduction of fresh legs in the pack, Tilly Meade, Beth Kirwan and Caoimhe Stewart, they went straight back on the attack. Rachel Fanning was causing all sorts of problems for the home defence with her strong running. Coupled with a dominant scrum it wasn’t long before Emily extended the lead with a strong carry from 5m out. Shannon again added the extras.
Now in the ascendancy, Balbriggan drove for home. Ger continued her strong performance in the loose with repeated carries over the gain line. This enabled the backs to keep stretching the home defence. It wasn’t long before Emily completed her hat trick against a dogged but tiring defence.
The game got a bit tetchy with both teams issued with yellow cards and warned about their behaviour. More subs by Balbriggan kept the momentum up with Kate McFadden and Laura Brown bringing fresh legs to the backs and Colleen Hoey and Sarah Mollahan getting valuable time at prop.
Indeed it was the new front rows that created the final score. A 5m defensive scrum for Port Dara was shunted off the ball by the Balbriggan pack resulting in a penalty. Shannon quickly tapped to herself and dove over for a try to match that of her mother in the first half. Final score Port Dara 5 Balbriggan 29.
Thanks to Port Dara for the tough game and for your hospitality after the match.
Balbriggan remain top of the league with one game to go. After 3 successive away wins the ladies are on the road one last time on the 18th February when they travel to CYM where a win will ensure the title. All support very much welcome.
