Portlaoise 39 Tullamore 33
U-16 Girls Rugby Premier League Round 4
Portlaoise U-16s girls rugby team welcomed Tullamore for Round 4 of the Premier League on Saturday.
These two have met numerous times over the years and it is always an epic battle – with this occasion proving no different.
Tullamore got the game going with the aid of a strong breeze on what was a very cold day.
A powerful Portlaoise pack began to dominate the early proceedings. Captain Chloe Kavanagh would dominate at the breakdown.
Molly Jane Dempsey made an early break on the wing from her own half only to be brought down inside the Tullamore 22. Quick work from Faye Scully released Mary O’Hara though for the opening try.
Portlaoise continued their dominance with Saffron Adams kicking the ball over the onrushing Tullamore back line into the corner for Aoibheann Conroy to run onto.
As the ball bounced up perfectly into her arms, Aoibheann evaded several tackles to be caught on the 5m line. Molly Kelly gathered the ball and crossed the line for the second try.
Tullamore continued to knock on the door however super tackling from Lilly Brophy kept them at bay. Tara Peavoy was working hard at the break down and winning every battle.
A good run through the heart of the Tullamore defence from Louise Hyland caused all sorts of problems for Tullamore, great work from Elisha Gilligan released Aoibheann Conroy who danced her way through the Tullamore defence and touch down under the posts.
Tullamore were not out of this and strong running of their own was beginning to ware Portlaoise down. Tullamore would score the next two tries of the game.
Portlaoise retaliated with strong running from Ciara Cuddy and Orlaith Costigan resulting in Portlaoise’s fourth try by Elisha Gilligan.
But Tullamore would have the final say of the half with a great team try – leaving the Half Time score at 22-21 in favour of Portlaoise.
With the game finely balanced, Portlaoise restarted the game. Emma Scully and Kate Ging made great inroads as Amy Peters released Saffron Adams to cross the white line.
The second half was a story of you score, we will score. Brilliant individual and team performances from both sides was a showcase for the development of the game at this age group.
Tullamore scored next and took the lead for the first time.
Portlaoise went on the attack again, great work from Blaithnead Kehoe dragged Portlaoise into the Tullamore 22.
Great defending from Tullamore held Portlaoise back until Kate Scully drove over the try line to touch down.
Portlaoise put in a great defensive display but could not keep Tullamore out for long with them crossing the white line again.
With a matter of minutes remaining and only a single point in it, this was anyone’s game. Portlaoise had the final say with Amarachi Obi releasing Mary O’Hara who crossed the line into the corner for the last action of the game.
A dramatic conclusion as Portlaois prevailed by six points in the end.
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