Round two of the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s competition delivered emphatic wins, hard-fought comebacks and a dramatic draw. In the latest sports Ireland update, Old Belvedere strengthened their position at the top end of Division 1A, while UL Bohemian responded strongly and Ballincollig and Enniskillen could not be separated.
Old Belvedere make a statement in Division 1A
Old Belvedere produced the standout performance of the round, defeating Wicklow 64-0 at Ashtown Lane. The visitors led 26-0 at half-time and continued to apply pressure after the interval, finishing with ten tries.
Katie Whelan crossed three times, while Katie Corrigan and Hannah Wilson both scored twice. Naoise Smyth, Clare Gorman and Laura Carty also touched down in a dominant display that underlined Old Belvedere’s perfect start to the campaign.
The result gives the defending contenders considerable momentum, while Wicklow will be looking to regroup ahead of their next fixture. For supporters following Ireland rugby, it was a powerful reminder of the attacking quality available in the women’s top division.
Galwegians find their winning rhythm
Galwegians opened their winning account with a 33-12 bonus-point victory over Railway Union at Crowley Park. Railway Union made a quick start through Rebecca Cahill, but Galwegians soon established control.
Siofra Hession, Ellen Connolly and Grainne Moran helped the home side move 21-12 ahead by half-time. Ailish Quinn added another try after the break before Grace Browne Moran completed the scoring deep into added time. Hession’s accurate kicking also played an important part in converting four of the side’s tries.
UL Bohemian answer opening-round disappointment
UL Bohemian recovered from their first-round defeat by beating last season’s finalists Blackrock College 22-14 in Annacotty. The Limerick side led 17-14 at the interval after a lively opening half.
Chisom Ugwueru scored twice, with Stephanie Nunan and Teni Onigbode also crossing for the hosts. Blackrock College stayed in contention through tries from Brogan Mior and Maggie Boylan, both converted by Abby Moyles, but UL Bohemian held firm in the second half.
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Ennis maintain perfect Division 1B record
Ennis RFC made it two wins from two with a 33-17 home victory over MU Barnhall at Drumbiggle. MU Barnhall led twice through Emer Sweetnam, but Ennis went into half-time 14-10 ahead and pulled clear after the break.
Abi Kelly scored twice, while Emily Murphy, Aisling Heapes and Ella Buckley also crossed. Fia Whelan contributed four conversions as Ennis turned a competitive contest into a convincing victory.
Six tries apiece as Ballincollig and Enniskillen draw
The most dramatic Division 1B game ended Ballincollig 31-31 Enniskillen RFC at Tanner Park. Ballincollig led 19-12 at half-time after Grace Kingston scored twice, with Niamh Crotty adding another try.
The home side extended their advantage after the break, but Enniskillen produced a determined response. India Daley scored twice, while Amelia McFarland and Zara Flack also crossed. A penalty try further narrowed the gap before Daley’s late score helped secure a share of the points.
Ballincollig’s second-half tries came from Lily Byrne and Aoife Fleming, but Enniskillen’s late pressure ensured neither side left with a defeat.
Tullow edge Cooke in a tight finish
Tullow RFC claimed their first win of the campaign by edging Cooke 22-19 at Rathoe Road. Tullow led 10-5 at the break, but the contest remained finely balanced as both teams traded scores.
Cooke moved into contention through tries from Katie Gilmour, Molly Boyd and Shola Iluyemi. Tullow responded with scores from Lilly Murphy, Roisin Kinch and Grace Kelly, before Anna O’Neill’s late conversion settled the match.
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What to watch next
Round two has already created early separation in both divisions. Old Belvedere and Ennis remain unbeaten, while UL Bohemian’s response has added further interest to Division 1A. The Ballincollig-Enniskillen draw also shows how closely matched the Division 1B field may be.
The next round will offer a clearer indication of which clubs can sustain their challenge and which teams are ready to turn promising performances into consistent results. Supporters should watch the upcoming fixtures for more clues in the race for Energia All-Ireland League Women’s honours.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
