Castlebar v Buccaneers, Connacht League Round 1 Match Report:
Castlebar Ladies Rugby team began the defence of their Connacht League title on Sunday October 4th against Buccaneers of Athlone at Castlebar RFC. While the result of 19-5 in favour of Castlebar suggests a comprehensive win, it doesn’t do justice to the pressure they were put under by their opposition for the full 80 minutes.
While there was little to report on for the first 20 minutes Castlebar did secure early possession and went through numerous phases but were unable to put evidence of this on the score board; a possible punishment for a lot of unforced errors and poor handling. Buccaneers took over possession and like their opponents, were unable to cross the try line, giving away a penalty on Castlebar’s 5 metre line which Castlebar kicked to the safety of the touch line. This shook the home side into life as they used the resulting lineout to hit at the visitor’s defence before the ball was let out to the backs. Quick hands through Mairéad Hopkins and Emma Doyle found Nicola Hall on the wing who touched down in the corner. 5-0 to Castlebar after the missed conversion. Just as it looked like Castlebar were settling into the game their centre Ursula Sammon was sent to the bin for a high tackle. Castlebar worked hard and managed to maintain their 5 point lead. Buccaneers probed at Castlebar’s defensive line as Ursula Sammon returned to the pitch 10 minutes later and she made her presence felt after picking up a loose ball on Castlebar’s 22 metre line and sprinted to the posts. Becky Gavin added the extra 2 points on the half time whistle leaving the score at 12-0 to Castlebar.
Buccaneers settled into the game early on in the second half and made their way to Castlebar’s try line with some excellent running, aided by numerous penalties given away by the home side. Their efforts were rewarded by a try from their number 10; a well-deserved score from the talented out half who caused headaches for Castlebar with her powerful running and superb tackling. The conversion was missed, 12-5 to Castlebar. It was now a ‘one-score’ game as Buccaneers then suffered the same as Castlebar had in the first half with a high tackle resulting in a yellow card and a 10 minute stay in the sin-bin. Castlebar set up camp inside Buccaneers half but failed to capitalise on their 14 player defence with Buccaneers standing firm and eventually clearing their lines. Suddenly the home side found themselves under immense pressure on their 5 metre line and can thank the power and determination of number 8 Yvon McNabb who pushed their oncoming ball carrier 10 metres back. A loose ball picked up by Mairéad Hopkins found Emma Doyle on the wing who sprinted into Buccaneers half. The speedy winger linked up with Ursula Sammon who finished the move off under the posts, a try that was converted by Becky Gavin, 19-5 to Castlebar on the full time whistle.
Massive thanks to all of the supporters who came out to cheer both teams on. Castlebar will play Portumna in the second round of the league away in Portumna on Sunday October 18th.
Castlebar: Becky Gavin, Nicola Hall, Emma Doyle (Vice-Captain), Mairéad Hopkins, Claire Cuffe, Jacinta Walsh, Darwyn O’Halloran, Yvon McNabb, Emma Fabby, Chelsea Joyce, Anne-Marie O’Hora (Captain), Lucy Golden, Marcella Derrig, Fiona Nic Ruairí, Kiara Irwin. Replacements: Ursula Sammon, Jen Keegan, Lisa Doocey, Patricia McHale, Marsha Halpin, Alison Clancy & Aileen Feeley.
Coaches and management: Jason Keane & Christy Cusack
Team Mascot: Sophie Keane
