Balbriggan RFC Women’s busy preseason continued, swapping a wet Banbridge on match day 1 for a hot Brussels, for match number 2 of their preseason in preparation for the 26/27 season. An early Saturday morning flight put everyone in good spirits, giving the squad time to wander and take in the highlights of Brussels.
The squad donned their green jerseys Saturday night and shouted to the rafters in support of Katie Taylor in a local watering hole.
The squad took the unique trip of a local tram to get to the location of the match Sunday afternoon for 5,30pm local time against our generous hosts Brussels Celtic RFC at their home pitch in Vrije University Brussels.
A warm evening on a 4G pitch was geared for running rugby and it didn’t take long for Balbriggan to get into their stride with Caitlin Bernard dotting down under the posts after an excellent pass from Eve Conway.
Shalya Hollywood, snapped up a nice intercept deep in Balbriggans’ own 22, before running 85m to score despite a gallant chase from the hosts. Caitlin Bernard, quickly scored her second and Balbriggans’ third try after a strong run against a drifting defence.
Brussels Celtic fought back with a try of their own after some good pressure on Balbriggan defence. Shannon Campbell at out half added a try of her own, making an incising run, and added the extras to make 28-7 to the touring side.
Balbriggan got their 5th try of the match shortly after. A well worked first phase try from a lineout taken by Andrea Murray, then both Louise Mc Cleary and Shannon Campbell combined to put Molly Whatley through a defensive hole, and she danced through remaining defence to score under the posts leaving it 35-7 at Half time.
Early in the second half Balbriggan got their 6th try. Another first phase try, this time from a scrum. Aoife Geraghty, playing at 9 for second half started a nice wraparound move that included decoy runners, and a combination of Molly Whately and Shayla Hollywood but Louise Mc Cleary away on the left edge to score in the corner. A gallant conversion by Molly Whately effort from the near touchline just pulled wide leaving it to 40-7 to the touring side.
Balbriggan got their 3rd first phase try of the match, coming off a lineout deep in Brussels Celtic territory. Jess Kellegher taking a clean lineout before Erin Mc Fadden’s strong run putting Molly Whately away, her dancing feet and strong finish even getting the locals to their feet behind the posts. Molly’s heroism was short lived as she managed to miss the conversion in front of the posts, despite Eve Conways kicking coaching all summer.
The last try of the day went to Eve Conway, after a mazey run and pop pass by Shalya Hollywood. A well-worked try between backs and forwards, Sarah Mollahan and Shannon Campbell combining to put Shayla away.
Despite the full-time score of 50-7, the second half was much more competitive, as Brussels Celtic got into their stride and were unlucky not to add more points to their total.
Much needed drinks and BBQ were perfect way to end the fixture, and we would like to wish Brussels Celtic the best in their upcoming season and thank you for their generous hospitality.
Much needed recovery was order of the day on Monday as the squad made their way to the picturesque city of Bruges before a late flight to Dublin.