Highfield Start With Win

The Women’s AIL season kicked off yesterday with nine Munster teams in action in Division 1A and Division 2 South.

Highfield avenged their defeat in last season's All-Ireland Cup final with a 22-19 win away to Galwegians at Crowley Park.

Munster's other two representatives in Division 1A, UL Bohemians and Tralee, both suffered opening day defeats.

Tries from Heather O’Brien and Deirbhile Nic A Bhaird (two) gave Highfield a 19-12 half-time lead with Ger Rea kicking two conversions.

Rea added a penalty in the second half and, despite Galwegians scoring a late try, Highfield held on to claim the four points.

Reigning champions Old Belvedere beat UL Bohs 38-8 on the back pitch at Thomond Park with Niamh Briggs scoring a try and kicking a penalty.

Tralee lost 22-0 to newly-promoted Dublin side Railway Union at Park Avenue to start off the campaign on a disappointing note.

Fermoy and Ballincollig were the big winners in Division 2 South as they enjoyed bonus-point home wins.

Ballincollig prevailed in their clash with Dungarvan/Youghal on a 34-7 scoreline.

The newly-combined Dungarvan/Youghal side trailed 10-0 at the break after Ballincollig out-half Lizzy Kelly kicked a penalty and converted Christina Broderick's intercept try.

Kelly added a try of her own in the second half before centre Broderick dotted down two more tries for her hat-trick and the bonus point.

Carmel O’Keeffe replied with a try for the the visitors' with Martina Walsh converting.

Ballincollig substitute and newcomer to the team Elsa Giruad sealed the win with her side’s fifth try that was converted by Kelly.

Fermoy overcame Nenagh Ormond 28-0 at the Showgrounds and lead the table on points difference after the first round of games.

New Ross and St. Senan's played out a scoreless draw in dry but blustery conditions at Southknock. Both sides attacked at every opportunity but the defences held firm.