Irish ladies lead the way with win over Wales

Ireland 14 Wales 6

Heather O’Brien 61st minute try kept the Ireland bandwagon rolling in a hard-earned victory over Wales on a rough winter night in Ashbourne.

Irish coach Philip Doyle had warned in the build up that the Welsh would prove a far tougher test then that of the Scots seven days earlier.

It took the Irish 10 minutes to knock on the Welsh door as Lynne Cantwell and Nora Stapleton combined to be shut out by the Dragons Catrina Nicholas.

Seven minutes later the Irish found themselves behind Robyn Wilkins converting a penalty as referee Nicky Inwood called the ball back for an Irish infringement.

The visitors tales where up and asked more questions of the hosts working a penalty on 25 minutes allowing Wilkins make it six-nil.

The score seemed to lift the Irish ladies with the home crowd in vociferous support as Rebecca De Filippo made a huge tackle on the rampaging Hannah Casey.

Ireland’s game lifted after going six points down and on 37 minutes Elinor Snowsil keeping the hosts out with a big tackle on Jenny Murphy who moved down the centre.

Doyle’s side kept the pressure up two minutes later when Alison Miller collected an Amy Davis clearance.

Ireland built with speed working the Welsh into their final 10 as the Irish pack took control of proceedings with a Niamh Briggs penalty putting the Irish on the score board.

On the stroke of half time, Alison Miller booted Elen Evans fumbled and raced for the line, only for her second kick to play the ball in to Welsh full back Dyddgu Hywell.

Doyles side came out with equal desire in the second half and really should have had a try after 49 minutes, Alison Miller spilling Casey’s pass with the line begging.

Within four minutes Ireland where on level terms, Briggs knocking over the penalty a result of Lowri Harries sin binned for holding onto Casey.

The crowd grew hungry for an Irish try as the hosts pack grew in stature before Heaher O’Brien trickery saw her cross the line on the hour.

The Welsh pack held Ireland’s scrum on the 10 meter line as Larissa Muldoon took her time, O’Brien scooped the ball and weaved her way home.

Alison Miller came close to Ireland’s second try with less than ten minutes on the clock with Niamh Briggs unable to go the extra inches.

Briggs sealed the victory three minutes into stoppage time, taking her third penalty of the night and an eight point victory.

Ireland: N. Briggs, H.Casey, L, Cantwell, J.Murphy, A.Miller, N.Stapleton, L.Muldoon, F.Coghlan, S.Lea-Kennedy, A.Egan, S.Spence, M.Louise-Reilly, S.Fleming, H.O’Brien, C.Molloy

Replacements: G.Bourke for Kennedy 71” , A.Baxter for Casey 69”,

Replacements not used: F.Hayes, Kerrie-Ann Craddock, P.Fitzpatrick, A.Davis, G.Davitt, J.Shiels

Tries: O’Brien 61”

Conversions: None

Penalties: Briggs x 3

Drop-goals: None

Wales: D.Hywel, E.Evans, R.Wilkins, R.De Filippo, P.Tuttiett, E.Snowsill, A.Day, M.York, L.Harries, C.Edwards, J.Hawkins, S.Powell-Hughes,C.Nicholas, N.Davies, R.Taylor

Replacements: C.Phillips for Nicholas 50”, S.Williams for Taylor 75”, S.Harries for York 50, S.Moore for Day 77”, L.Harries for Tuttiett,

Replacements not used: J.Davies, C.Thomas, F.Bowen

Tries: None

Conversions: None

Penalties: Evans x 2

Drop-goals: None