Newbridge 05

Tallaght R.F.C 52

Try: Louise Leonard 3, Aisling Pyke 2, Eileen Shanahan, Vicky Cobbe, Nicole Fanning
Conversion: Grainne Flood 6

Metro League Division 5
Rosetown
21/10/2022

The Tallaght women’s team took on Newbridge away in their first competitive game of the season and also new coach Hayley White’s first game in charge.

Number eight Louise Leonard was in rampant form and opened the scoring with a fine try. Then Aisling Pyke scored two tries and Nicole Fanning scored her first try for the club. Grainne Flood converted three of the tries to give Tallaght a 26-0 lead. Newbridge kept fighting though and scored a try to make it 26-5.

Despite the wet conditions, Tallaght’s handling and support play was excellent and they continued to dominate. Louise Leonard ran in two more tries to competed her hat-trick and Eileen Shanahan and Vicky Cobbe also scored tries. Grainne Flood converted three of the tries to make the final score 52-5.

Tallaght coach Hayley White was proud of her team’s effort. “Given it was so long since we played a competitive game, it was a really positive performance from the girls. They played good direct rugby and it worked well in the conditions. We still have plenty of improvement in us, but it was a nice start.”

Player of the match: Louise Leonard

Photo: Mark Luttrell