The opening round of the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s season delivered an immediate statement of intent, with Railway Union defeating reigning Division 1A champions UL Bohemian 19-15. Across both divisions, established contenders and ambitious newcomers produced a weekend full of attacking rugby, close finishes and eye-catching individual performances.
Railway Union claim early headline result
Railway Union produced the standout result of the first round by recovering from behind to beat UL Bohemian at Park Avenue. The champions started quickly, with Chisom Ugwueru crossing after five minutes, but the home side responded through Sydney Davis, converted by Heidi Lyons.
UL Bohemian regained the lead before half-time when Teni Onigbode crossed in the 33rd minute. Railway Union, however, returned from the interval with greater attacking purpose. Ailsa Hughes scored in the 48th minute, and Lyons’ conversion put the hosts in front.
Rebecca Cahill then added Railway’s third try with six minutes remaining. Ugwueru’s late second try created a tense finish, but Railway Union defended successfully to secure a valuable 19-15 victory and hand the champions an early setback.
Blackrock and Old Belvedere make winning starts
Blackrock College wasted no time showing why they will be viewed as serious title contenders. The last season’s finalists defeated Wicklow 50-5 at Stradbrook, scoring eight tries and collecting a bonus point.
Andrea Murphy was central to the result, completing a first-half hat-trick as Blackrock built a commanding 40-0 lead by the interval. Ava Fannin crossed twice, while Cara Martin also scored. Abby Moyles added five successful conversions before the break.
Maggie Boylan and replacement Emily Whittle added further tries after half-time. Wicklow eventually got on the scoreboard through Roisin Stone, but Blackrock had already established a decisive advantage.
Old Belvedere also secured maximum points, overcoming Galwegians 31-15 at Ollie Campbell Park. The hosts raced into a 19-0 lead through Elisa McGabhann, Clare Gorman and Alisha Flynn.
Galwegians fought back through Emily Foley, who completed a hat-trick with tries either side of half-time. Katie Whelan restored Belvedere’s control and then crossed again in stoppage time to complete her own double and confirm the bonus-point win.
Division 1B newcomers announce themselves
Enniskillen marked their first appearance in Division 1B with an impressive 32-12 home victory over Tullow. Stacey Sloan opened the scoring before Zara Flack took over the contest with two tries in four minutes.
Captain Moya Hill added another try just before the break, giving Enniskillen a 22-5 half-time lead. Amelia McFarland extended the advantage after the restart, while Tullow’s Grace Kelly scored twice. Flack completed her hat-trick late on to cap a memorable debut.
MU Barnhall also enjoyed a winning introduction, defeating Ballincollig 17-5 at Parsonstown. Emer Sweetnam and Aoibhín Smith crossed during a lively opening quarter, although Niamh O’Mahony’s first-half try kept Ballincollig within reach.
The match remained competitive deep into the second half before replacement Ciara Faulkner scored in the 75th minute. Abby Healy converted to complete a composed victory for the newcomers.
Ennis edge Cooke in tight contest
Ennis completed the Division 1B results with a hard-fought 14-10 win over Cooke at Shaw’s Bridge. Molly Boyd gave Cooke an early lead, but Takiah Buchanan’s try and Fia Whelan’s conversion sent Ennis into half-time ahead.
Freya Boyce restored Cooke’s advantage shortly after the restart. The decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute when Rhona O’Dea crossed for Ennis. Whelan added the conversion, and the visitors held on through a tense closing period.
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What to watch in the next round
Railway Union’s victory has immediately added intrigue to the Division 1A title race, while Blackrock College and Old Belvedere have both underlined their ambitions with bonus-point wins. In Division 1B, Enniskillen and MU Barnhall could quickly become teams to watch after making confident starts to life in the division.
The next round will show whether the opening weekend’s winners can build momentum and whether the beaten sides can respond. With attacking form already on display, the women’s Energia All-Ireland League has begun with plenty of promise.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
