Cavan Ladies made an eager journey to Celbridge on Sunday anxious for a win to move them up to the top half of the league table. With injury concerns and the absence of a number of girls, Cavan were lucky to field 15, resulting in some players starting in different positions.
The game started slow for Cavan with possession in Cavan’s 22 for the first 20 minutes. A great Cavan defence managed to prevent Barnhall for scoring by holding up the ball twice on the try line. Cavan Ladies refocused themselves after that and play was improved dramatically with fine rucking and good hands along the back line securing the ball deep within the oppositions half. Scrum half Hilary Quinn received the ball and broke the line, running 15 yards before been taken to ground. The ball was well secured in the ruck allowing Brigid Reynolds to pick up the ball and seeing the gap in the oppositions defence, broke the line resulting in the first try of the game under the posts. The conversion was scored by Catherine McCollum who impressed all day with her kicking. The first half ended with Cavan leading 7 -0.
Cavan started strong in the second half with inspiring tackling from Cavan forwards Grainne McDermott, Rosey Morgan and Elena Farrell who was moved from the back line into the forward pack for this game. Cavan also impressed in the line outs aided by skilful throwing from hooker Emer McBrien and jumper Cathy King. Unfortunately, Cavan scrums were no match for Barnhall who dominated every time.
The ball remained in Cavan’s possession for most of the second half. Caroline O’Reilly and Claire McDermott ensured that the ball remained in Barnhall’s 22 by making good ground with the ball and popping off to wingers Eimear Ryan and Orla Tuite. A magnificent Cavan back line received the ball after Reynolds turned the ball over from a Barnhall ruck. Great running and hands from Lisa Anderson, Kathleen Dawson and Deirdre O’Reilly got the ball out to Orla Tuite who avoided 4 tackles, scoring Cavan’s second try almost under the posts. McCollum’s conversion marginally went wide, leaving the score 12-0.
Cavan got careless in the last 5 minutes, given away 3 penalties in a row inside Cavan’s 10 yard line. Following a warning from the referee that the next error would result in a sending off, Quinn was unlucky to be the victim and spent the last 3 minutes off the pitch. As a result Barnhall managed to score from a penalty but conversion was missed leaving the score 12 – 5 at the final whistle.
Cavan Ladies showed great determination throughout the game and despite many players playing out of positions, everyone pulled together and played their best. A special mention goes to Orla Tuite on making her debut, played a remarkable game and is a wonderful addition to have on the team.
