Epic battle in Mullingar sees Portlaoise march into Leinster League final

Leinster Rugby Girls U/16 League semi-final 

Mullingar 29 

Portlaoise 33 

PORTLAOISE returned to the astro pitch in Mullingar where they had earlier suffered their first league defeat in years. It was a closely contested game on the day and the loss was down to small margins.

This time round Portlaoise needed to bring their ‘A’ game. On a glorious day this rematch was always going to be a tight affair.

Molly Jane Dempsey got the game underway kicking into the Mullingar 22. Portlaoise would apply all the pressure early on in the game. Mullingar would not get out of their own half for the opening 10 minutes. Their defensive work was impressive. After 10 minutes of banging on the door Portlaoise eventually made their efforts count. Captain for the day Molly Kelly would release Molly Jane Dempsey on the wing to crash over for the first try of the game. Saffron Adams adding the extra two points.

Portlaoise definitely had their tails up and were quickly back on the hunt for another score. Amarachi Obi making the break this time from a well-timed pass from Molly Fitzpatrick. This time Kate Scully adding the conversion.

This Mullingar team was full of fast runners and worked tirelessly at the break down leaving Portlaoise under no illusion this was going to be an easy game. As they made their way into the Portlaoise half they probed and probed until one runner eventually evaded all the tackles to touch down into the corner. V The game would swing from one attack to the next with both sides looking to make an opening. Jessica Delaney and Chloe Kavanagh would be brilliant for Portlaoise all day. Mary O’Hara was causing problems on her wing all day. this was stretching the Mullingar defence. As the scrum formed just outside the Mullingar 22, Lily Brophy would peel off the back of the scrum and slip through the Mullingar line to touch down under the posts. Kate Scully Added the insurance points.

Mullingar might have been rattled but their focus quickly returned. They were ferocious and were rewarded with the final try of the half to leave the score at the break 21-12 in favour of the visitors.

The second began where the first left off, with both teams up for it and not giving either side an inch. Kate Ging and Daisy Whitten would drive their team forward followed closely by Jessica Delany who worked her socks off all day.

Mullingar needed to get the next score and they did. Game on.

Portlaoise needed to hit back. Blaithnead Kehoe was driving into the Mullingar half. Ciara Cuddy and Tara Peavoy were always there in support. Elisha Gilligan broke a tackle, Emily Harvey released Saffron Adams who raced into the corner for a try.

Mullingar were not lying down and again began to produce some scintillating attacking rugby, their pace was a constant threat to Portlaoise. They found more space on the wing and went over for their fourth try of the day. The game was finely balanced and very entertaining.

As Portlaoise sucked up the pressure their defensive displays were exceptional. Abbie Delaney, who earlier in the day was crowned Leinster shot-putt champion, was working her way through the tackles. Erin Powell was relentless. Orlaith Costigan and Faye Scully exceptional.

As Mullingar were met with a defiant defensive wall one pass was watched by the prowling Aoibheann Conroy who intercepted and ran only to be caught five metres out. The support play was quick to the break down and a quick ball to Saffron Adams saw her touch down under the posts and add the extra points.

Portlaoise were good for their lead however Mullingar were not finished. With only a few minutes left, they were on the attack again. Their power and pace broke Portlaoise to touch down in the corner.

With just four points in it, the game was on a knife’s edge. But Mullingar left it too late, and the final whistle signalled an epic win for Portlaoise.