Club Notes | A Promising Start for the Bruff/UL Bohemian U14 Girls

On a weekend when UL Bohemian’s senior women secured victory and Munster made history with their first ever win in Croke Park, another proud moment quietly took place in Limerick rugby.

It was the first challenge game for the Bruff/UL Bohemian Under-14 Girls team as they faced Old Crescent.

For most of the girls, this was their first time lining out for a rugby match. Some have only picked up a rugby ball in recent weeks, while others have been training patiently for two seasons, turning up week after week with no fixtures to play, united by the dream of one day forming a team of their own. This weekend, that dream became reality.

While the scoreboard ultimately favoured Old Crescent, the Bruff/Bohs girls produced a performance brimming with heart, skill and resilience. Their first outing together showcased moments of composure and teamwork that many seasoned sides would envy.

From the outset, kick-offs and penalties were executed with confidence and accuracy, with several players sharing the responsibility. The scrum half, giving away significant size to the towering Old Crescent forwards in a matchup reminiscent of a Casey-Snyman faceoff, played with fearless energy and tenacity. She distributed the ball with calm precision and created attacking opportunities throughout the game.

As confidence grew, strong carries from the Bruff/Bohs lock became a defining feature of the second half. Her ability to break the defensive line and make significant ground repeatedly put her team on the front foot. On several occasions, when tackled, she and her teammates showed impressive rugby intelligence, popping the ball cleanly to oncoming forwards to maintain possession and continuity. This awareness and support play kept the momentum alive and demonstrated the growing understanding between the pack.

Equally impressive were the Bruff/Bohs backs, who were ever-present in support. They handled the ball confidently, linking well with their forwards and reading the game with maturity. A series of flanking runs and sharp cutbacks kept Old Crescent guessing and ensured that Bruff/Bohs continued to move forward with pace and intent. The interplay between forwards and backs gave the team’s attack both shape and unpredictability, clear signs of a side already learning to play heads-up rugby.

Late in the game, the team’s hard work was rewarded with a superbly worked try that began deep in their own half. A sustained multi-phase drive advanced over 60 metres of the pitch, with strong carries, quick rucks and excellent support play. As the attack closed in on the Old Crescent line, the tight-head prop took the ball from a close ruck, powered through two defenders and carried it to within centimetres of the line. In perfect support, the scrum half collected the ball and dived decisively over the try line to score Bruff/Bohs’ only try of the match. It was a fitting reward for the teamwork, determination and growing confidence that defined their performance throughout the day.

Perhaps most remarkable was the quality and bravery of the tackling. For a team in which almost every player was experiencing full-contact rugby for the first time, their defensive commitment was extraordinary. They absorbed wave after wave of Old Crescent pressure, regrouped quickly and kept returning for more.

The challenge game was structured as a 15-minute coaching period followed by two 20-minute halves, delivering a lively and enjoyable 55 minutes of rugby for both players and spectators. Despite being on the losing end of a high-scoring Old Crescent side, the Bruff/Bohs girls played the closing minutes with the same enthusiasm, energy and spirit that defined their opening half, a true reflection of their commitment and love for the game.

A special word of appreciation goes to the match referee, who understood the occasion perfectly. Recognising that this was a learning opportunity for both sides, he allowed the game to flow while offering gentle guidance throughout. His approach created the ideal balance between structure and freedom, enabling the players to learn, express themselves and enjoy the full spirit of the game.

Old Crescent’s experience and cohesion as a long-established squad eventually told, but every try conceded was well contested and hard fought.

What stood out above all else was the spirit and unity shown by this young group. A joint effort between two proud clubs, Bruff RFC and UL Bohemian RFC, the team is a shining example of what is possible when communities collaborate to create opportunities for girls in rugby.

From shared coaching responsibilities to players who never stopped supporting one another, this debut side embodied the two most important traits in the game: heart and teamwork.

While not a victory over Old Crescent, it was a victory for the future of women’s rugby at UL Bohemian RFC. The coaches will take away many positives from this debut, from the technical promise and handling skills to the sheer determination on display, providing a strong foundation to build upon for future success.