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The All Ireland Plate Final proved a step too far for City of Derry Ladies when they went down in Dublin 19-7 to Division 1 side St Mary’s College.
On a pitch more suited to beach volleyball than rugby, St Mary’s played controlled rugby and starved Derry of possession for the first 15 minutes before their left winger went over for a disputed try as she appeared not to have grounded the ball.
Mary’s continued to pressurise and increased their lead to 11-0 when their prop forward converted 2 penalties following Derry infringements.
Derry had a number of clear opportunities to get back in the game but poor passing and handling saw the chances squandered.
The Derry girls did get on the score sheet before half time when they were awarded a penalty for foul play. Having opted for the scrum, number 8 Di Nixon made a break. The quick ruck ball was fed wide and fullback Rachel Lennox went over in the corner. Lennox then added the extra points when she converted her own try to leave the half time score 11-7.
Derry took the game to Mary’s at the restart and were awarded a penalty which could have reduced the deficit to 1 point but the ball sailed wide of the posts.
Midway through the half St Mary’s increased their lead when, following a sustained period of pressure, they moved the ball wide and their outhalf scored a try which was converted.
Derry pressed hard trying to get the score which would get them back in the game. Captain Di Nixon led by example making numerous storming runs but the support was always too slow for Derry to be able to capitalise fully. Hooker Stacey Lea Kennedy showed why she has been capped for Ireland with some good breaks and indeed almost scored near the end but a superb last ditch tackle from the St Marys fullback put her in touch and the game ended 19-7.
Credit must go to a St Mary’s side who played the better rugby. Their out-half put them in great positions with astute tactical kicking and coupled with a great defensive performance, they took their chances on the day.
It was a disappointing result in what was the last game for South African pair Mandisa Williams & Fundi Plaatjie who return home at the end of the month following their exchange trip with Derry. They have been inspirational and hopefully the team have will learned from them.
The Derry Back row of Di Nixon, Julie Simpson & Mandisa Williams played well. Scrum-half Fundi Plaatjie made some very good breaks and hooker Kennedy was her normal aggressive self in what was an otherwise surprisingly lack lustre performance from a Derry side which has beaten two 1st Division sides already this season.
Derry’s next fixture is the final league game at home to Cill Dara on 3rd April where they can qualify for the divisional play-offs for promotion to AIL Division One.
