Strong representation from Laois clubs for North Midlands Girls opening Sarah Robinson Cup game

North Midlands 26 

South East 33 

LAOIS rugby clubs had a very strong representation for opening game of this season’s BearingPoint Sarah Robinson Cup was played in SETU Carlow before a large enthusiastic crowd. This competition, which is part of Leinster Rugby’s Player Pathway, is the first step for future Leinster U/18s (7s and 15s). 

There were no fewer than ten players on the 23 strong match-day panel.

There were seven from Portlaoise – Aoibheann Conroy, Chloe Kavanagh, Jessica Delaney, Abbie Delaney, Molly Fitzpatrick, Molly Jane Dempsey and Sarah Cunningham who also scored a try in the game. Caoimhe Murphy, Aoife Murphy and Lilly Ryan were flying the Portarlington flag.

While this was the first outing for both teams, the work done over the summer was obvious. Both sides showed very good teamwork, with good interchange between the forwards and the backs.

The North Midlands pack provided the basis for the opening score. Following good rucking the ball was released to the backline allowing the midfield to release Naas’s Lucy Keely to break from outside the 22 to score in the corner. She then kicked a super conversion from the touchline to make the score 7-0.

On 20 minutes the North Midlands extended their lead when the ball was moved quickly to the left to Aoibheann Conroy (Portlaoise) who released her clubmate Sarah Cunningham to score. Again Lucy Keely converted.

The South East showed determination with big carries from their prop Alannah Kulenovic (Arklow) released Stella Zagrabska (Tullow) to score a try converted by Malu Luiza de Aruju (Wicklow).

The North Midlands response was another clever backs move with a Caoimhe Murphy running a smart line breaking through to score close in with Keely again converting.

The South East were up to the challenge winning a penalty which was driven well into the NM 22. A clean take in the lineout provided the platform for the SE pack to drive forward with Croi Deegan (Tullow) scoring close in. De Aruju converted.

The Wexford flyhalf, Cara Hyland, was now driving her side forward with big upfield kicks putting pressure on the NM defence. This pressure resulted in another try for the SE bringing the score to 21-19.

A break by the NM took the game back into the opposition half. NM Captain Emily Julian (Athy) scoring another try making the score 26-19.

With 18 minutes left the South East now took the challenge to the North Midlands. This pressure resulted in a battle for possession between the packs. Unfortunately NM were penalised with a yellow card and a penalty try making it 26 all with four minutes to play.

Nerves now began to show. The South East continued to press. A good line from the three-quarters led to a try in overtime for Eileen Cole (Enniscorthy) try which she converted.

NORTH MIDLANDS SQUAD: Juliette Flanagan (Cill Dara), Lucy Keely (Naas), Caoimhe Murphy (Portarlington), Aoibheann Conroy (Portlaoise), Sarah Cunningham (Portlaoise), Aoife Murphy (Portarlington), Molly Ryan(Cill Dara), Emily Julian (Athy, Captain), Chloe Kavanagh (Portlaoise), Jessica Delaney (Portlaoise), Ciara Leacy (Clane), Emma Kelly (Naas), Isabelle Doyle-McDonagh (Newbridge), Lilly Ryan (Portarlington), Abbie Delaney (Portlaoise), Tillie Kehoe (Naas), Keelyn Brennan (Clane), Amelie O’Toole-Drieux (Naas), Clarissa O’Connell (Cill Dara), Robyn O’Connor (Naas), Isabelle Kavanagh (Clane), Molly Fitzpatrick (Portlaoise), Molly Jane Dempsey (Portlaoise).