Women’s All-Ireland League Roundup

An incredible run came to an end last weekend in the Women’s AIL, as runaway leaders UL Bohemians surrendered their chance of a perfect season, going down 8-6 in an attritional game against Railway Union.

Both sides are known for their expansive brand of rugby, which proved difficult in poor conditions at Annacotty.

Nikki Caughey and Edel Murphy traded penalties in the first half before Murphy’s kick just before half-time handed a slender 6-3 lead to the table-topping hosts at the break.

With the wind against them in the second half, Railway were under pressure from Bohs but an enthralling game remained delicately poised until the final whistle. Canadian international Emma Taylor breached the UL defence three minutes from time to give Railway a precarious two-point lead.

Full-back Clare Ryan’s try-saving tackle on UL Bohemians’ Niamh Kavanagh as she dashed for the line in the final attack of the match gave the visitors a gritty victory and for the first time all season, UL Bohs were left with an aftertaste of defeat.

A fantastic win for Railway Union, however, and another fantastic victory for Cork side Highfield in their quest to finish inside the playoff places, with a 19-10 away defeat of Old Belvedere at a windy Anglesea Road.

Laura Guest’s side scored three tries in a fiercely-fought clash which was played in blustery conditions at Anglesea Road.

Highfield capitalised on errors from their hosts to score two tries. The first came from turnover ball in a ruck that allowed Hannah O’Sullivan to open the scoring with a try on 30 minutes. Then Nicola Scully intercepted a pass as Old Belvedere threatened a try of their own and galloped away with the ball to put Highfield 12-0 up at the break, with Ellen Murphy landing the conversion.

Another ball pinched during a ruck early in the second half led to Laura Sheehan’s try which Murphy again converted. ‘Belvo fought back and Sharon Lynch made a half-break midway through the period that ended with Sheena Moore’s try to put a dent in the lead.

German star Franziska Klappoth returned from injury, appearing as a second half replacement, and immediately made an impression by scoring Belvedere’s second unconverted try.

Guest said of Highfield’s round 13 victory: “It was a good win and a good performance. The girls had to defend valiantly at the end because ‘Belvo kept trying so hard right until the final whistle. The team really showed great heart right the way through.”

They now need to inflict UL Bohs’ second defeat of the season when the league resumes in a few weeks time to potentially push Galwegians out of fourth spot going into the final stretch.

“We enjoy playing Bohs” Guest added “there is a good relationship between the two clubs and we have one more home game to come. If we put in a good performance and get a good result, then we might get something out of it.”