Womens’ AIL Div 1

Clonmel’s first foray into the AIL Div 1 came against Blackrock, boasting eleven Leinster interpro’s, at Ardgeeha on Sunday last. The game was only 5 minutes old when Clonmel conceded a penalty in a ruck on their own “22” to give Blackrock a 3-0 advantage. The Clonmel forwards unit were doing well in the lineouts and made some great breaks off the base of the scrum, with No.8 Kate O’Loughlin leading by example. On 15 minutes Clonmel were awarded a penalty inside the blackrock half – Niamh Briggs took it quickly and charged over at the posts to put the home side 7-3 ahead.

From the restart, Clonmel were again on the attack – a great maul got Catherine Kenny over the line but the referee adjudged that the try had not been scored. Shortly after, Clonmel lost Rebecca Kenny through injury but the home side held out against the illustrious visitors until half-time. However the second half opened badly for Clonmel when Blackrock’s quick backs unit scored two tries in just 10 minutes. Clonmel battled bravely but Blackrock added another two tries by 70 minutes.

Clonmel showed though that they can mix in this company and added two tries of their own through Jean Lonergan and Niamh Briggs to bring the score to 29-19 for the visitors. In their first step up into the first division Clonmel showed that they are capable of competing at this level and will look forward to their visit to Boyne next Sunday.