Munster Rugby v DHL Stormers Match Programme

WOMEN’S RUGBY NEWS
Ballincollig RFC ©Colbert O'Sullivan
WINNING AIL START FOR
MUNSTER TEAMS
Ballincollig became the story of the first
round of the Women’s All-Ireland League
after holding on to beat Suttonians 14-13 in a
nail-biting finish at Tanner Park last Saturday,
while UL Bohemians got their campaign off
to a flying start by beating Cooke 46-12.
Ballincollig’s long-awaited return to AIL rugby
kicked off in brilliant fashion, young out-half
Kelly Griffin jinking through midfield to score
and convert after just six minutes.
Suttonians scrum half Lena Kibler soon sniped
over, and the north Dubliners, edged ahead
early on the restart thanks to a Catherine
Galvin penalty.
Fiona Hayes’ Ballincollig side redoubled
their efforts and with five minutes remaining,
Heather Kennedy raced for the corner and a
high tackle saw referee Carl O’Meara award a
penalty try.
Although Katie Grant Duggan got over for
Sutts’ second try in the dying moments,
the conversion proved too difficult and
Ballincollig, thanks to some sterling defence,
pocketed four hard-earned points.
Munster’s Gemma Lane, who paired up with
Griffin as Ballincollig’s half-backs, said: “We’d
put in a lot of hard work in training, but we
were all just really excited to get going to be
honest. It’s great to start the club season with
a win and we’re very happy.”
Another of Munster’s Interprovincial title
winners, centre Stephanie Nunan, ran in a
first half hat-trick of tries as UL Bohemians
accounted for Cooke on a 46-12 scoreline.
It was Niamh Briggs’ league debut as Bohs’
new head coach, and Cooke proved tricky
opponents, Helen McGhee scoring early on
and newcomer Naomi McCord surging over
before half-time, via a terrific tip-on pass from
Ilse van Staden.
However, UL added 22 points without reply in
the second half, with Nicole Cronin directing
operations from out-half and scoring 11
points.
WOMEN’S LEAGUES UNDERWAY
In the Women’s Division 1 League, Kerry
opened their account with a 14-10 win over
Tipperary at Thurles.
In Division 2 tries from Rebecca Doyle and
Caoimhe O’Donnell were not enough for
Waterpark who lost 19-10 away to Skibbereen
and in the other game in this division,
Ballincollig defeated Dolphin 46-0.
MUNSTER V DHL STORMERS | 02.10.21 | THOMOND PARK 15