Leinster Womens League Division 3
Kilkenny 5-7 Edenderry
By Marianne Jordan
The Kilkenny Women’s rugby team returned to action this past weekend in a fiercely contested home game against Edenderry RFC. The match showcased Kilkenny’s steady improvements and their growing confidence as a team, despite facing tough conditions and a strong opponent.
The game began with Kilkenny playing into the wind during the first half, which, coupled with wet and slippery ground conditions, led to handling errors on both sides. After an early lineout just outside the 5-metre line, Kilkenny won the ball, setting the tone for a gritty and determined performance by the forwards.
Moments later, Kilkenny forced a turnover through the relentless efforts of Tina Wright, who demonstrated her strength and composure under pressure. Wright’s ability to secure possession at crucial moments became a recurring theme throughout the game. Kilkenny’s defensive line worked tirelessly to deny Edenderry space and time, showing great heart and aggression. Yet, despite their early defensive heroics, Edenderry managed to spot a gap in Kilkenny’s line, crossing over for a try. A successful conversion extended their lead to 7-0.
Kilkenny refused to be discouraged and continued to battle hard. Following an Edenderry scrum, Wright again stepped up to make a pivotal turnover, shifting momentum back in Kilkenny’s favour. Later, during an Edenderry maul from a lineout, Wright intervened once more, coming away with the ball and putting her team in an excellent attacking position.
The breakthrough came thanks to a cohesive attacking effort from Kilkenny. After strong carries from Isla Mosse, Lieke Hoban, and Caroline Quirke, the team drew in the Edenderry defense, creating space for Eve Cronin to power her way over the line. This try brought the score to 7-5, leaving Kilkenny trailing by just two points.
Heading into halftime, Kilkenny had proven they could match Edenderry, who came into the match unbeaten in Division Three. Their defensive and attacking plays showed clear evidence of the hard work put in during training over recent weeks. The halftime score of 7-5 reflected how evenly matched the teams were.
As the second half got underway, conditions improved slightly, with the rain easing and the wind becoming less of a factor. Kilkenny’s energy and determination continued to shine. Isla Mosse produced a standout moment by stealing an Edenderry lineout, disrupting their momentum and giving Kilkenny an edge. The forwards dominated the scrums, using their strength to drive Edenderry off the ball and earn turnovers, showcasing Kilkenny’s growing confidence in set pieces.
The kicking game became a focal point for both teams in the second half. Megan Callanan played a smart tactical game, using her boot to probe for gaps in Edenderry’s defensive line and pin them deep in their own territory. Kilkenny’s defensive structure held strong, restricting Edenderry to their half for nearly the entire second period. On the rare occasion Edenderry managed to cross the halfway line, Kilkenny’s defense quickly neutralized the threat.
Despite their dominance in the second half, Kilkenny were unable to find the breakthrough for a second try. However, their performance highlighted significant growth, particularly in their ability to maintain pressure, execute set plays, and play as a cohesive unit. The match ended with a final score of 7-5, a narrow loss but a performance full of positives for Kilkenny.
This game marked a major step forward for the Kilkenny Women, who demonstrated their capability to compete against one of the strongest teams in the division. With improvements in both their attacking and defensive systems, Kilkenny will carry this momentum into their next fixture, which promises to be another exciting contest. The team’s determination, discipline, and teamwork were on full display, leaving supporters optimistic for the future.
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