Leinster League Division 3
Kilkenny 05-10 Greystones
By Marianne Jordan
In a challenging encounter at Foulkstown, the Kilkenny Women faced off against Greystones in the first part of a highly anticipated double-header. The recent extreme weather left the pitch wet, and strong winds further complicated play, setting the stage for a game where determination and resilience were as important as skill.
Kilkenny came out of the gates with energy. Within the opening 10 minutes, a penalty against Greystones gave Kilkenny an attacking opportunity deep in their opponent's half. Adapting quickly to the blustery conditions, Kilkenny shifted to a short-passing game, moving the ball effectively and finding gaps in the Greystones defence. The intent was clear—they were hungry to get their names on the scoreboard early.
However, rugby is often a game of moments, and Greystones took advantage of one. After regaining possession from a break in play, they executed a strong counterattack, crossing the try line to secure the first points of the match. The score stood at 5-0 to Greystones, but Kilkenny were undeterred.
Kilkenny’s lineouts were a highlight of the game, with Alice Murphy making some exceptional catches in the difficult conditions. This set the platform for the home side to mount another attack. Their scrum also proved to be a formidable weapon, holding strong against the Greystones pack and giving Kilkenny the foundation to build their play.
Alice Brennan emerged as a key player for Kilkenny, consistently making hard yards with ball in hand. Her powerful carries put the Greystones defence under significant pressure, especially as Kilkenny camped near their opponent's try line. Despite their best efforts, Greystones managed a crucial turnover to momentarily relieve the pressure.
The match continued as a tense, back-and-forth battle. Kilkenny’s perseverance paid off when repeated infringements by Greystones led to a yellow card, reducing the visitors to 14 players. Sensing an opportunity, Kilkenny pressed forward relentlessly. After several phases of play, Lieke Hoban broke through the Greystones defence, diving over the try line to level the score at 5-5. The home crowd erupted in support of the Kilkenny Women, who had worked tirelessly to get back into the game.
The momentum briefly shifted back to Greystones, whose backs showcased their speed and skill. Attempting to exploit space on the wing, they launched an attacking play, only to be met with an excellent tackle by Rachel Brickell. Kilkenny’s defensive line held firm for several phases, but a loose ball gave Greystones the chance they needed. They capitalized with their second try of the game, pulling ahead 10-5.
In the final stages, Kilkenny fought valiantly to turn the tide. Their relentless effort and determination were evident as they pushed for an equalizing score. However, the clock worked against them, and despite their best efforts, the match ended with Greystones securing a narrow victory.
While the result didn’t go their way, the Kilkenny Women can take pride in their performance. They demonstrated grit, teamwork, and a refusal to back down under challenging conditions. Players like Alice Murphy, Alice Brennan, Lieke Hoban, and Rachel Brickell delivered standout performances, contributing significantly to the team’s effort.
The Kilkenny Women left everything on the pitch. With their heads held high, they’ll look to build on this performance as they prepare for their next fixture.
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