Match Report Mullingar v Balbriggan Leinster Women’s League Division 1
Balbriggan Women kicked off their first ever campaign in Division 1 with a memorable win away to
Mullingar. Playing in tough conditions with a strong wind and rain both teams showcased the best of
women’s rugby with a committed and skilful display.
Playing with the benefit of the wind in the first half, Balbriggan pinned the hosts back in their 22 in
the opening minutes. Strong tackling from debutant Alma Atagamen in particular, kept Mullingar
hemmed in. Mullingar were able to break out, and a missed tackle in midfield saw the hosts burst
through to score under the posts against the run of play.
Despite this setback Balbriggan went straight back on the attack. The scrum was completely
dominant and was the launch pad for some sustained attacking. In one instance Balbriggan drove
Mullingar off their own ball for a turnover that led to our opening score. A powerful carry from
number 8 Eadaoin Cannon from the back of the scrum sucked the home defence in and then quick
hands released winger Siobhan Verdon in the corner where she was only stopped from scoring by a
high tackle. The referee awarded a penalty try to bring the sides level.
With the benefit of the wind Balbriggan dominated territory for the remainder of the half with a
really determined effort by Mullingar particularly at the ruck keeping the visitors out. Eventually
Balbriggan did make the breakthrough and again off the back of a dominant scrum. Eadaoin again
making the initial surge before the ball went wide and wing Shannon Campbell got close. Some
powerful drives from Alma and Steph Campbell brought us right up to the line and with a penalty
advantage Abi Dungan was able to dive over from close range to score. The difficult conversion was
missed, and the half time whistle blew with Balbriggan leading. Half-time Mullingar 7 – Balbriggan
12.
With the elements now in their favour it was the home team’s time to dominate field position.
Balbriggan hung on to their slender lead and managed to fight their way into the Mullingar 22, but a
turnover and clearance kick caught the visitors out as Mullingar were able to regather and run a
score in from halfway which tied the game.
Buoyed by this success the hosts came strongly again, a storming run down the wing fending off
several attempted tackles saw a wonderful try for Mullingar under the posts. The conversion saw
them take a 7-point lead which in the conditions looked decisive.
Balbriggan dug in and benefitting from fresh legs off the bench began to exert some pressure on
Mullingar. It was one of the subs Dearbhla Sheridan that sparked the next score with a strong run
out of defence towards the half-way line. Quick ruck ball saw Logan Flanagan release another sub,
Jess Kelleher, for a storming run down the wing that only saw her stopped by a fantastic cover tackle
5m out by the Mullingar full back. The ball was quickly spun left, and Alma looked certain to score
but was hauled down just shy of the line. The defensive effort had sucked in the Mullingar backs and
another quick recycle saw Laura McDonald run in unopposed to bring the deficit down to 2 with less
than 5 minutes remaining.
From the restart a rejuvenated Balbriggan went in search of a winning score. Playing with renewed
energy the quality and speed of ruck created time and space out wide. In an almost identical move
to that which had released Jess minutes earlier, Logan, instead of giving the pass scythed through
the defence and stormed home from half-way for a wonderful try. Balbriggan now led by 3 with just
over a minute to play.
Mullingar regathered for one last effort and forced there way into the Balbriggan 22. Quick hands
left gave them an opportunity but a tremendous tackle by Jess bundled her opposite number into
touch with the last action of the game. Final Score Mullingar 19 Balbriggan 22.
A tremendous victory for Balbriggan in their first appearance at this level was well received by the
travelling support who had gotten behind team all game. This was really a squad effort to get over
the line and everyone, even those who didn’t get on, contributed to this performance. A word of
praise to Logan, Alma and Lauren Bryce who all made their Balbriggan senior debut on the day.
Next up is our first home game of the season for our First XV against a strong MU Barnhall team on
Sunday 6 th October at 1pm and all support is welcome.
Our Second XV kicks off their Division 5 campaign on the same day away to Athy at 12pm. All support for both teams is welcome.
