Wins again this week for the men and women of BRFC in their Leinster League Campaign, though they
weren’t as easy earned as last week, and in both games the final outcome went down to the last
play.
The women were up first with their match against Clondalkin that was swapped to Balbriggan after
the Clondalkin pitch was deemed unplayable. The match was very close throughout. Having fallen 12 – 17 behind the Balbriggan girls put huge pressure on their opponents only to see a penalty conceded as they approached the line.
With minutes to go, they managed to get within 5 metres and keep the ball alive, quick thinking by
outhalf Kitson saw her launch a long cross kick for Shannon Campbell to gather the ball, beat her opposite number and score. Shannon then converted her own try to give the home side a slender 2 point
lead. There was still time left in the game and while Clondalkin looked as if they collected the kick
off, it was the Balbriggan Scrum-half who nipped in to snatch the ball and run 50 metres to score,
and not alone seal the victory but also the bonus point.
Final Score 24-17. This now leaves Balbriggan ladies in second place in the league behind undefeated leaders Wicklow, and a point ahead of Naas who have a game in hand.
The men’s IXV were away to Garda in a fixture that ended their title hopes last season. Garda had a
similar team to last year but it was Balbriggan who went into 12 point lead in the first ten minutes
but Garda hauled it all back by half time before going in 3 points ahead. Balbriggan were happy
how they were playing and in particular they were on top in the scrum. Balbriggan were next to
score but they will be a little concerned that they left a number of opportunities behind them.
Garda did not get left behind and soon the match was level on 22 points each with less than 10
minutes to go. A good run by Brian Mollahan saw Balbriggan move ahead to 29 points. Fair play, to
Garda they go right back in it and scored in the corner only to see the conversion come back off the
post to leave Balbriggan 2 points ahead. A final penalty by man of the match Paul O’Connor with
the last kick sealed this one for the visitors. O’Connor was in top form with the boot all afternoon. Final Score 23-28.
The win qualifies Balbriggan for Division 2A in the second half of the league. North Meath will top
the group and a point will see Balbriggan in second. Arklow play Garda in the final group match with
the winner progressing to Div 2b. The other section sees Portlaoise, Portarlington, Roscrea
continue to 2A. Some tough matches ahead.
The Men’s IIXV had a win over Emerald Warriors on Saturday. The match saw President Ivan
McFadden, Des O’Connor and Cathal Myles all participate, with O’Connor showing he hasn’t lost it,
scoring two tries. It was a good run out for the younger squad members and gave some their first
taste of adult rugby.
