Women's side 'Wynne' away in final league fixture

Mullingar 39, Clondalkin 7

A hat-trick from Ciara Wynne and a well worked team try to close out the scoring were the highlights as Mullingar Women's rugby side came away with a five-point win on Sunday to claim a top four spot.

On a bright Sunday morning, Mullingar and Clondalkin met once again in a fixture where both sides were very familiar with each other. From the opening whistle, it was clear that neither team was going to give an inch, with strong carries and hard tackles from both sides as they settled into the contest. Persistent dominant carries from Clodagh O’Brien and Anna Scanlon wore down the opposition defence.

Mullingar eventually got the reward their early pressure deserved: after 15 minutes Ciara Wynne crossed the line for the opening try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but it gave Mullingar the momentum they were looking for.

Wynne soon doubled her tally, finishing well in the corner after sustained pressure. Again, the conversion narrowly missed, but Mullingar were beginning to build a solid lead. Norris and Foxe were dominant in the rucks and gained important turnovers which were crucial in Mullingar’s defence.

The game continued as a strong contest for possession, with both sides battling hard at the breakdown. Mullingar’s forwards laid a powerful platform with a series of crashing carries before the ball was moved wide, allowing Robyn O’Brien to finish well on the wing.

Not long after, Charlotte Young showed great footwork to dodge multiple tackles before touching down on the wing for another Mullingar try. The conversion drifted wide, but Mullingar went into halftime firmly in control with a 20–0 lead.

Mullingar started the second half strongly, with Wynne powering over under the posts early on to extend the lead, though the conversion attempt went wide.

Clondalkin responded well and were rewarded for their persistence after a determined spell of pick-and-go phases close to the line. They eventually forced their way over for a try and successfully added the conversion to get on the scoreboard.

Mullingar quickly regained control. After the ball was worked out to the left wing, Sorcha Oakes made an excellent line break which led to a penalty for Mullingar. Strong carries from the pack followed, and Murtagh powered over for another Mullingar try. Ciara Foxe added the conversion.

In the closing minutes, Ika Catulo produced a powerful break, through the defensive line. With the ruck secured, Foxe spotted space and broke again before Mullingar moved the ball wide through the backs. Sorcha Ryan finished the move with a well-taken try, which Foxe converted to round off the scoring.

The final whistle saw Mullingar run out convincing 39–7 winners after a strong all-round performance.

The women now enjoy a week off before their first cup game away to Balbriggan on Sunday March 29.

Mullingar Squad: Anna Scanlon, Ika Catulo, Moya Murtagh, Aoife Doonan, Emily O’Brien, Eve Byrne, Charlotte Young, Clodagh O’Brien, Abigail O’Connor, Jodi Aherne, Ciara Wynne, Ciara Foxe, Alana Norris, Robyn O’Brien, Sorcha Ryan, Makayla McCormack, Keela Nolan, Emma O’Hara, Sorcha Oakes, Ellen Taite.