Swords R.F.C. 12

Tallaght R.F.C. 46

Tries: Aisling Pyke 4, Audrey Fulham, Rachel Nolan 2, Megan Fogarty
Conversions: Caoimhe Hogan 2, Audrey Fulham

Women’s League Division 4A
ALSAA Sports Complex, Toberbunny
05/11/2017

Tallaght travelled across the M50 to take on Swords in Division 4A of the women’s league. Tallaght were looking to keep their 100% record going and they started brightly when centre Aisling Pyke broke through for the the first try of the match. Skipper Caoimhe Hogan converted to make it 7-0 to Tallaght. Tallaght’s pack was well on top with Anne Bermingham and AnnMarie Riverc showing their experience by dominating the breakdown. From a driving maul Audrey Fulham could see the space on the blindside and smartly finished off a try to make it 12-0. Then the explosive Rachel Nolan came into the game smashing through the Swords defence to break away for a try, Hogan converting again for a 19-0 lead.

That lead was extended further when Tallaght full back Megan Fogarty showed great balance to score a try in the corner. Tallaght then suffered a blow when they lost their chief playmaker and skipper Caoimhe Hogan to a shoulder injury. The loss caused some confusion in the ranks and Swords took advantage to break away for a fine try to make it 24-7. However Tallaght still had the last say of the half when Pyke took a quick tap short of the line and powered her way over to make the half-time score 29-7 to Tallaght.

In the second half Tallaght took their time to find their rhythm but newcomer Jacinta “Jesse” Purcell was putting in a good shift on her first ever game of rugby and after a good run she helped put the unstoppable Aisling Pyke away to score her hat-trick try. Pyke wasn’t done for the day though and she scored her fourth try of the day soon after and her good friend Audrey Fulham took over kicking duties and made the conversion. Almost immediately from the next play Rachel Nolan broke away for her second try of the day and her attempt to convert her own try went just wide. To their immense credit the young Swords team never stopped fighting and they scored the final try of the day to make the final score 46-12 to Tallaght.

Tallaght coach Adam Nolan was very proud of his team. “Every player turned up today for each other and that’s what really counts. When we lost our skipper Caoimhe before half-time, who’s a huge influence, we didn’t panic. Instead other players just stepped up and took her place. It’s fantastic to see how the squad is growing and we’re welcoming in new players every week. Jacinta Purcell and Laura Dignam made their debuts today and showed up well. In terms of the player of the match, we just couldn’t separate Aisling and Rachel as they were both immense. Aisling was unstoppable in attack and scored four tries and Rachel got two of her own but also lead the defensive line and put in countless big hits. It was a great all round performance and while there are always things we can do better, overall it was a very satisfying day.”

 

Joint woman of the match: Aisling Pyke & Rachel Nolan

 

Tallaght

15: Megan Fogarty
14. Jacinta Purcell
13. Cíara McLoughlin
12. Aisling Pyke
11. Rachel Nolan
10. Caoimhe Hogan (Captain)
9. Shauna Power

1. AnnMarie Riverc
2. Aileen McGovern
3. Barbara Amolo
4. Roisin Doyle
5. Audrey Fulham
6. Anne Bermingham

Replacements:

16. Martina Fitzpatrick
17. Marissa Crane
18. Laura Dignam
19. Rosie Gallagher
20. Caroline Lamba

 

Report: Jim O’Connor
Photos: Jessica Walsh Fulham

Team sheets printed under severe stress by: Jim O’Connor