Round two of the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Divisions delivered big wins, dramatic comebacks and a landmark farewell in a memorable weekend for Irish rugby. Old Belvedere strengthened their position at the top of Division 1A, while UL Bohemian, Galwegians and Tullow all celebrated important victories.
The latest sports Ireland action also highlighted the growing depth of women’s club rugby, with tight contests in Division 1B and several teams responding strongly after difficult opening rounds.
Old Belvedere Make Another Powerful Statement
Old Belvedere remain the early standard-bearers in Division 1A after sweeping aside Wicklow 64-0 at Ashtown Lane. The Dublin club scored ten tries and claimed a second successive maximum-point victory.
Katie Corrigan and Naoise Smyth crossed inside the opening nine minutes, before Whelan and Clare Gorman added further scores. Belvedere had already secured the bonus point by half-time, leading 26-0.
The visitors continued their control after the break. Hannah Wilson and Laura Carty added tries, while Whelan completed a hat-trick. Corrigan and Wilson also crossed for their second tries as Old Belvedere finished with ten touchdowns. Ellen Jane O’Sullivan Sexton contributed five conversions in a comprehensive display.
UL Bohemian Honour Chloe Pearse with Hard-Fought Win
UL Bohemian recovered from their opening-round defeat by beating Blackrock College 22-14 at Annacotty. The result carried extra significance as captain Chloe Pearse made her 150th and final appearance for the Limerick club.
UL Bohs struck first through Chisom Ugwueru, but Blackrock responded with tries from replacement Brogan Mior and Maggie Boylan to lead 14-5. The defending champions showed character before half-time, with Stephanie Nunan and Teni Onigbode crossing to turn the game around.
Kate Flannery converted Onigbode’s try, sending UL Bohemian into the interval with a 17-14 advantage. Ugwueru then completed her double early in the second half, and the hosts defended their lead to secure a bonus-point victory.
Pearse left the field in the 56th minute, bringing an emotional close to her long service. Her final match ended with a win and an important response from the champions.
Galwegians Turn Around Railway Union Challenge
Galwegians opened their winning account with a 33-12 home victory over Railway Union at Crowley Park. Railway made the faster start, scoring through Rebecca Cahill after only three minutes.
Galwegians answered quickly through Siofra Hession, who converted her own try. Ailsa Hughes restored Railway’s lead, but the Galway side gradually took control. Ellen Connolly and captain Grainne Moran crossed before the break, with Hession converting both scores to establish a 21-12 half-time lead.
Ailish Quinn secured the bonus point in the second half, and Grace Browne Moran completed the scoring in stoppage time. For Galwegians, it was an impressive reaction after their opening-round disappointment.
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Ennis Keep Their Unbeaten Start in Division 1B
Ennis made it two wins from two with a 33-17 victory over MU Barnhall at Drumbiggle. Emer Sweetnam gave Barnhall an early advantage with two first-half tries, but Ennis responded through Emily Murphy and Aisling Heapes.
A 14-10 half-time lead gave Ennis the platform to push on. Abi Kelly scored early in the second half and later completed her double, while Ella Buckley also crossed. Barnhall captain Órfhlaith Murray briefly brought the visitors back into contention, but Ennis finished strongly to claim their first bonus-point win.
Ballincollig and Enniskillen Share Ten-Try Thriller
Ballincollig and Enniskillen played out a thrilling 31-31 draw at Tanner Park. The Cork hosts appeared in control after Grace Kingston scored twice and Niamh Crotty added another try, giving Ballincollig a 19-12 half-time lead.
Lily Byrne extended that advantage after the interval, but Enniskillen refused to concede. Zara Flack added another try after a penalty try had narrowed the gap, before India Daley crossed for her second score in the 74th minute. Eve Balfour’s conversion levelled the match, and neither side could find a late winner.
Tullow Produce Late Comeback Against Cooke
Tullow secured their first victory of the campaign by edging Cooke 22-19 at Rathoe Road. The home side led 12-5 at half-time after tries from Lauryn Faulkner and Lilly Murphy.
Cooke then appeared to have taken control. Molly Boyd and Shola Iluyemi crossed after the break, with Elise McDermott converting both tries as the visitors moved 19-12 ahead.
Tullow’s response was decisive. Roisin Kinch reduced the deficit before Grace Kelly scored in the 78th minute to put the hosts back in front. Anna O’Neill added the conversion, completing a dramatic three-point win.
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What to Watch Next in Irish Club Rugby
Old Belvedere’s perfect start gives them early momentum, but UL Bohemian and Galwegians have shown they can respond under pressure. In Division 1B, Ennis are the only side with two victories, while the Ballincollig-Enniskillen draw underlined how closely matched the competition may be.
The next round will offer a clearer picture of the title race, the battle for bonus points and which teams can turn promising performances into sustained league form.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
