Round two of the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Divisions produced emphatic wins, emotional milestones and late drama. In the latest sports ireland action, Old Belvedere strengthened their position at the top of Division 1A, while UL Bohemian, Galwegians and Tullow all responded impressively to early-season setbacks.
The weekend also underlined the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s rugby in Ireland, with ten-try thrillers, bonus-point victories and a landmark farewell among the main talking points.
Old Belvedere make another statement in Division 1A
Old Belvedere remain the early team to beat after overwhelming Wicklow 64-0 at Ashtown Lane. The Dublin club scored ten tries and collected a second successive maximum-point victory, making the strongest possible start to the campaign.
Katie Corrigan and Naoise Smyth crossed inside the opening nine minutes, before Whelan and Clare Gorman added further scores. Belvedere led 26-0 at half-time and continued to control the contest after the interval.
Whelan completed a hat-trick, Corrigan finished with two tries and Hannah Wilson also claimed a brace. Ellen Jane O’Sullivan Sexton, Gorman and Amy Larn contributed conversions as the visitors recorded the weekend’s largest winning margin.
UL Bohemian honour Pearse with hard-fought win
UL Bohemian marked captain Chloe Pearse’s 150th and final appearance for the club with a valuable 22-14 victory over Blackrock College at Annacotty.
The defending champions fell 14-5 behind after Blackrock scored through Brogan Mior and Maggie Boylan, with Abby Moyles converting both tries. UL Bohs responded before the break, as Stephanie Nunan and Teni Onigbode crossed to turn the game around.
Kate Flannery converted Onigbode’s try to give the hosts a 17-14 half-time lead. Chisom Ugwueru then completed her double early in the second half, securing a bonus point and ensuring Pearse’s final outing ended in victory.
The result was particularly important after UL Bohemian’s opening-round defeat to Railway Union. Blackrock, meanwhile, will be left to reflect on a match in which their bright start was not enough.
Galwegians recover as Railway Union’s momentum fades
Galwegians also opened their winning account with a 33-12 bonus-point success over Railway Union at Crowley Park.
Railway began strongly, with Rebecca Cahill scoring after three minutes. A quick response from Siofra Hession, followed by a converted try, put the Galway side ahead, although Ailsa Hughes restored Railway’s advantage soon afterwards.
Galwegians gradually took control. Ellen Connolly and captain Grainne Moran crossed before half-time, with Hession converting both efforts to establish a 21-12 lead. Ailish Quinn added the bonus-point try in the second half, while Grace Browne Moran completed the scoring in stoppage time.
Ennis stay unbeaten in Division 1B
Ennis made it two wins from two by defeating MU Barnhall 33-17 at Drumbiggle. Barnhall’s Emer Sweetnam scored twice in the first half, but Ennis recovered well and led 14-10 at the break after tries from Emily Murphy and Aisling Heapes.
Abi Kelly extended the advantage early in the second half and later completed her double. Barnhall captain Órfhlaith Murray gave the visitors hope with a late try, but Ella Buckley and Kelly’s stoppage-time score confirmed Ennis’ bonus-point victory.
Ten-try draw keeps Ballincollig and Enniskillen level
Ballincollig and Enniskillen shared the points after a thrilling 31-31 draw at Tanner Park. Ballincollig raced into a 19-12 half-time lead, with Grace Kingston scoring twice and Niamh Crotty also crossing.
The Cork side remained in front after Lily Byrne and Kate O’Sullivan added tries, but Enniskillen refused to go away. Zara Flack scored again after her opening-weekend hat-trick, while India Daley’s second try in the 74th minute brought the visitors level. Eve Balfour converted, and neither team could find a late winner.
Tullow produce dramatic late turnaround
Tullow secured their first Division 1B victory by edging Cooke 22-19 at Rathoe Road. The hosts led 12-5 at half-time, but Cooke turned the contest around after the restart through Molly Boyd and Shola Iluyemi.
Cooke appeared set to claim the points when Elise McDermott converted both tries, but Tullow launched a decisive late attack. Roisin Kinch reduced the gap before Grace Kelly crossed in the 78th minute. Anna O’Neill’s conversion completed a dramatic three-point win.
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Old Belvedere’s perfect start gives them early authority in Division 1A, but UL Bohemian’s response suggests the defending champions are already finding their rhythm. Galwegians will also carry confidence into the next round, while Ennis lead the early Division 1B charge.
The next set of fixtures will show whether Belvedere can maintain their momentum and whether the chasing pack can close the gap. For supporters following irish sports, the women’s Energia All-Ireland League is already delivering compelling rugby and plenty more twists are likely to follow.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
