Clontarf 12 – Balbriggan 57
Balbriggan put the disappointment of last week’s loss firmly behind them as they put in a strong performance in their division one clash with Clontarf in Castle Ave.
The visitors weathered early pressure by Clontarf in first 15 mins, when an excellent breakaway score by Rachel Fanning settled the team. A very well worked team try put Sarah McDonald in the corner that gave Balbriggan a 12-0 lead.
Clontarf hit back with a try of their own before Aoife “roadrunner” Brennan broke through on a rampant run to make it 19-7. Shayla Hollywood secured the try bonus before half time after some nice play by Bundee McFadden who was slotting in at 12 for second week running.
The second half scoreline didn’t reflect the competitiveness of the fixture and both Shayla Hollywood and debutant Lilly Clarke secured a hattrick each.
Eve Conway and Shannon Campbell were both economical with the boot to tag on the extras as the game eventually got away from the hosts.
The foundation for much of Balbriggans win was hard work up front by the forwards with Abi Dungan, Megan Gannon, Aoife Brennan to the fore , ably led by captain Sydney Sterio and Siun Douglas in the lineout.
Shout out to Siobhan Verdon who travelled up from a 90th birthday party in Birr, and surprisingly not her birthday, to join the squad.
We wish Clontarf all the best for the rest of the season.
Balbriggans next fixture in Division One will be November 1st when they host Tullamore in Balrothery.
Balbriggan; Caoimhe Colman, Steph Campbell, Aoife Brennan, Siun Douglas, Jess Kelleher, Abi Dungan, Sydney Sterio ©, Megan Gannon, Aoife Geraghty, Shannon Campbell, Sarah McDonald, Erin McFadden, Rachel Fanning , Shayla Hollywood, Eve Conway.
Bench; Tara Hickey, Ellen Coleman, Aoife Purcell, Antoinette Kemmy, Andrea Murray, Lilly Clarke, Siobhan Verdon.
TR Tilly Meade, Kina Jackson.