Ladies in red-hot form as Portlaoise hit 97 without response
.
PORTLAOISE Ladies produced an outstanding performance at home in Togher, recording an emphatic 51–0 victory over Lansdowne RFC in Division 4 of the Leinster League.
In a commanding display of rugby, Portlaoise crossed the try line on nine occasions, combining attacking quality, physicality and defensive discipline to secure a thoroughly deserved bonus-point victory.
Playing in front of their home support, Portlaoise set about their task with real purpose, demonstrating the confidence and determination that have become hallmarks of this squad. From the forwards to the backs, every player contributed to a performance built on teamwork, commitment and a willingness to work for one another.
The forward pack once again provided a strong foundation for the team’s success. Rosie Palmer and Yvonne Palmer were particularly outstanding, delivering exceptional performances throughout the contest. Their work rate, physical presence and commitment around the pitch played a significant role in giving Portlaoise the platform to dominate proceedings.
In the back line, Ava Gleeson and Niamh Griffin were equally impressive. Both produced excellent performances, showcasing their attacking ability, work rate and contribution to an impressive team display. Their performances highlighted the attacking threat Portlaoise possess across the pitch.
While individual performances deserve recognition, this was very much a collective achievement. The willingness to support one another, maintain intensity and execute the team’s approach ensured that Portlaoise remained firmly in control.
Just as pleasing as the nine tries was the defensive effort. Keeping Lansdowne scoreless for the full 80 minutes demonstrated the organisation, determination and discipline within the Portlaoise ranks. A clean sheet is always something to be proud of, particularly against opposition competing at this level.
The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 51–0 victory, providing another valuable result for Portlaoise and further evidence of the progress being made by this group of players.
For the coaching team, there will be plenty of positives to take from the afternoon. The contribution of the entire squad, the strength of the forward effort, the quality in the back line and the defensive resilience all deserve recognition.
Results like this don’t happen by accident. They are built on commitment at training, hard work behind the scenes and a squad that understands the importance of putting the team first.
Sandra Keegan, Hannah McEvoy, Kim Fitzpatrick, Niamh Griffin, Holly Murtagh, Ava Gleeson, Emma Larkin, Rosie Palmer, Stephanie Gleeson, Yvonne Palmer, Alison Holmes, Bróna Maguire, Nicola Larkin, Amy Otoole, Hannah Schiller.
Replacements: Jayme Coyne, Sophie Shanahan
PORTLAOISE seconds, or the whites as they are affectionately known within the club, enjoyed a decisive victory away to Athy seconds. The scoreboard may reflect Portlaoise's dominance, but it was the team's collective commitment to mastering the foundations that led to their win.
It was Jessie Preston who led on and off the field on the day. Preston set the standard for her side, with her work rate and attitude returning a try for the talented basketballer. This was followed by a cooly slotted over conversion by Aoife Cahill. Leah Byrne worked tirelessly at the breakdown, ably supported by the industrious Roisín McWey and Naoisé Toland. Megan Fitzpatrick deserves special mention for her role in solidifying the defensive line and leading the charge with aggressive line speed. She was ably supported up by the tireless Leah O'Brien, who crossed the whitewash in style and claimed the conversion for good measure.
Roisín McWey's relentless pressure around the Athy rucks was rewarded with two well-worked tries, the culmination of sustained and intelligent attacking play. Keeva Gallagher and captain Aoife Cahill combined effectively in a composed and decisive half-back partnership, showing maturity in their game management. Aoife's sharp decision making was rewarded with a try of her own, which she again converted.
Also getting on the scoresheet were Mary Adewuyi on her debut, Alice Dibenzi, who claimed her first try for the club in just her second appearance, and Mairead Foyle, who scored two tries for Portlaoise. Aoife Cahil again converted, for a hat-trick of conversions for the talented back.
As ever, Laura McDonald's work rate on the wing stood out to all in attendance. Time and again, her chase back tackles denied Athy the space needed to convert promising opportunities into scores. Mairead Foyle, Mary Adewuyi, Alice Dibenzi and Tara Armstrong all displayed skills beyond their years with the senior side, exploiting space, tackling with determination and consistently making valuable metres in possession.
From the bench, Shannon Byrne, Grace Molyneaux and Tara Armstrong seamlessly maintained the intensity, picking up the relentless work rate where their teammates had left off, ensuring Portlaoise finished as strongly as they had started.
Portlaoise whites take on Greystones at home next Sunday 22 November. These sides are no strangers two each other, having closely contested competitions year in, year out.
Laura McDonald, Megan Fitzpatrick, Leah O'Brien, Aoife Cahill, Keeva Gallagher, Leah Byrne, Roisín McWey, Jessica Preston, Naoisé Toland, Laura Harding.
Replacements: Grace Molyneaux, Mairead Foyle, Mary Adewuyi, Tara Armstrong, Shannon Byrne, Alice Dibenzi
