Portlaoise 34 Tullamore 5
Leinster U-14 Girls Rugby Semi Final
Portlaoise travelled to Tullamore for the Cup Semi Final last Saturday, April 13.
Conditions were bright and warm in the morning, but in typical Irish fashion, the weather turned nasty just before kick-off.
Portlaoise would spend the first 15 minutes defending frantically.
Tullamore’s centre was impressive but her fast carries were brilliantly managed by Lily Brophy.
Tullamore number eight was another cause of concern with her impressive runs. However, strong defensive work led By Orlaith Costigan and Faye Scully would hold Tullamore out.
Tullamore would end up getting the first try of the game, but as the game continued Portlaoise were starting to find their feet, with Saffron Adams scoring the first try for Portlaoise.
Strong carries from Daisy Whitten and Sarah Keane were bringing Portlaoise into Tullamore’s 22 metre-line.
A defence mix up, mainly caused by swirling wind, caused a misplaced pass that would allow the quick thinking Saffron Adams to pounce on the loose pass for her second try of the game.
At half time, the score was 5-10. Portlaoise would come out to the second half full of confidence.
Ciara Cuddy was making serious carries and Tara Peavoy was causing all sorts of problems for Tullamore.
Both Emma Ging and Molly Fitzpatrick were creating width on the wings that Tullamore simply could not deal with.
A super tackle from Freya Stanley would allow Saffron Addams to gather up a loose ball for her third try of the game.
A quick drive for the line from Captain Jessica Delaney would see Portlaoise take a strong lead.
Tullamore never gave up, but at this stage they were simply no match for Portlaoise.
Sarah Ging would pass to Freya Stanley leading to her first try of the game.
Tullamore, on occasion, would overturn the ball and start an attack of their own.
However, deep inside Portlaoise territory, Portlaoise would overturn the ball. Lily Brophy would then run three quarters of the pitch to touch down under the posts to get the last try of the game.
Portlaoise will play the Final in Energia Park on the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Portlaoise Panel: Orlaith Costigan, Faye Scully, Daisy Whitten, Ciara Cuddy, Sarah Keane, Tara Peavoy, Jessica Delaney, Chloe Kavanagh, Emily Harvey, Lily Brophy, Molly Fitzpatrick, Aoibheann Conroy, Saffron Adams, Emma Ging, Freya Stanley, Amy Peters, Ella Sherlock, Bailey Campion, Abby Fitzpatrick, Sarah Ging, Addison O’Reilly.
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