Portlaoise ladies head to Dublin tomorrow determined to build on last week’s resounding victory

Portlaoise Ladies 43 

UCD J1 14 

PORTLAOISE ladies head to Dublin tomorrow (Sunday) to take on Three Saints in the Leinster League on the back of an emphatic victory last weekend over UCD J1 in Togher.

Portlaoise wasted no time in posting their intent and were out of the traps immediately from the kick-off, registering an early seven pointer inside the opening five minutes. By the eighth minute, the Laois side had built a 12–0 lead and were firmly in control.

The welcome return of Niamh Griffin to the club after her successful spell with Blackrock paid huge dividends. The experienced out-half controlled proceedings superbly, orchestrating play like a conductor leading an orchestra.

The Portlaoise pack of Sorcha Brennan, Catriona Dillon, Yvonne Palmer, Sarah Culleton, Amy O’Toole and Alison Holmes, made life extremely difficult for their UCD counterparts.

Numerous rampaging runs from the pack led to further scores, with Portlaoise stretching their lead to 24–0 as half-time approached. A brief lapse in concentration just before the break allowed UCD in for a well-worked converted try, leaving the half-time score at 24–7.

Portlaoise began the second half with renewed enthusiasm and vigour, and credit must go to the backline who repeatedly opened up the UCD defence.

Scrum-half Rachel Murphy was a real livewire moving the ball quickly to both her outside backs and the loose forwards. Griffin continued to dictate play, mixing sharp darting runs with excellent distribution to centres Amanda Hade and Aoife Cahill, who both carried strongly and tackled well throughout.

Sophie Shanahan was a constant threat, making hard yards every time she got the ball, while Keeva Gallagher covered the full-back position excellently. Moya Keating once again delivered a strong performance on the wing and when called upon in the line-out.

Portlaoise’s second-half dominance resulted in three further tries, two of which were converted, bringing the score to 43–7 by the 67th minute.

Newcomer Eadaoin Malone was introduced during the second half and played her part in an impressive team performance.

UCD, to their credit, finished strongly and scored a well-constructed team try in the dying seconds to leave the final score 43-14 in favour of the home side.

Overall, Portlaoise will be extremely satisfied with their performance, particularly given the absence and unavailability of several regular players, including, Bróna Maguire, Joanne Joyce, Roisín Dowd, Abbey Gyves, Erin Fitzpatrick, Shauna Hough, Katie and Mairead Foyle.

Portlaoise ladies are hopeful that they can continue their form in the Iveagh Grounds tomorrow.

SCORERS:

Portlaoise: Niamh Griffin and Alison Holmes 3 tries each, Yvonne Palmer 1 try, Rachel Murphy 4 conversions.

Training o Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7.45pm in Togher.