09 Nov 2014
Womens Leinster Division 2, Thanks to Alma Egan for the Pics, Thanks to Colin Hughes for the Match Report
Tullamore women top Leinster League
Determination. Courage. Heart. Three words that sum up Tullamore women’s impressive 10-7 victory over Railway Union on Sunday. The result leaves Tullamore tied top of the league with NUIM Barnhall.
The match started at a frenetic pace as Railway continually carried the ball with purpose. Their ball carrying was matched with pace and skill in the wider channels that stretched the Tullamore defence throughout the match. Tullamore weathered the early storm and began to gain a foothold in the match. Successive penalties and resultant lineouts brought Tullamore to the Railway 22 where the maul was put to use. Once this was sacked the Tullamore forwards kept the pressure on through repeated picking and driving around the fringes. With the rain teeming down, it was Sarah Coffey who powered her way to the line. It seemed as if she was held up short but she expertly wrestled her way over the line and dotted down to give Tullamore a 5-0 lead.
Tullamore were enjoying a period of dominance and were continually making line breaks. With the rain having stopped it allowed Tullamore bring their backs into the game a bit more which stretched the Railway defence on a few occasions. Eventually, Tullamore found their way into the Railway 22 once again and were rewarded for their effort with another try. It was Sarah Coffey once more who finished off the move with another pick and drive. It was no more than she deserved for the way she has played all season, especially after missing out on so much of last season with injury. It left the score at 10-0 at half time.
While Tullamore enjoyed the majority of the play in the first half, the opposite was true for the second as Railway dominated. A combination of enterprising Railway play and Tullamore penalties allowed Railway territory and possession. It was a credit to Tullamore that their defence stood strong for 35 minutes of the second half with some superb last ditch tackles being put in by Nichola Fryday and Sarah Keating. Eventually, the Railway pressure told as a misfielded kick was hacked on and dotted down under the posts. With the conversion scored it left Tullamore with a slender 3 point lead for the remaining 5 minutes which would define their credibility as title contenders. The Tullamore ladies passed the test admirably as they defended and tackled bravely. It would be unfair to pick out any players for special mention in this regard as it was a real team effort.
Tullamore enjoy a weekend off next week before welcoming Naas/Newbridge to Spollenstown on the 23rd of November where they plan on remaining top of the Leinster League.
