UL Bohs & Belvo had a tense battle & Rock continue to struggle, writes Sarah Lennon…
It was week three of the women’s AIL Division 1 and already there was a divide between the top and bottom of the table emerging.
Last week I called UL Bohs v Belvo the tie of the round, and although it proved to be a very low scoring encounter, it was and extremely close fought and competitive match. Ireland fullback Niamh Briggs proved to be the difference on being sprung from the bench following 6 months out with injury. Trailing 3-0 at half time to a Briggs penalty, Old Belvedere struck back with three penalties from the reliable boot of Elaine Cohalan to hold a 9-3 lead. UL Bohemian were not to be denied however and a try and conversion in the closing stages from Briggs secured the win and broke Old Belvedere hearts. Victories against UL Bohemians are extremely rare on the ground, so this may well feel like one that got away, but it does serve to underline the massive strides Belvo have made since promotion two seasons ago.
Tralee have improved as the weeks go by and a creditable draw with Cooke in Belfast constitutes more welcome points to add to the bonus point win over Blackrock last week. Blackrock themselves shipped yet another heavy defeat losing 31-0 at home to St Mary's. It has been three heavy defeats in a row for Blackrock and they have only scored 3 points in this time. Last season's 4th place seems a long way away now for the Stradbrook outfit. Highfield continue their searing pace at the start of the season with a 24-0 win over Galwegians, the Cork outfit secured a bonus point win in the first 30 minutes and they look the side to beat in this season's AIL.
Next week’s “tie of the round” sees leaders Highfield entertain UL Bohemian. It’s hard not to see this as a winner takes all encounter. Were Highfield to win they would could hold a 5 point advantage with 3 games remaining. Old Belvedere take on struggling Blackrock, Belvo will fancy their chance of a bonus point win, putting pressure on the loser of the big clash. Blackrock will be determined to bounce back fast however as a defeat would leave them in serious relegation trouble. St Mary’s take on Cooke with both sides determined to climb to the upper echelons of the division and the surprise package so far, Tralee welcome Galwegians to the Kingdom knowing that win will consolidate their top half position. The fixtures have an even look to them this week and I’d expect a few nailbiters over this weekend.
Rather disappointingly AIL Division 2N saw two walkovers with Garda and Cavan failing to fulfill their fixtures. Leinster's other representative Navan were beaten 36-5 by Queen's University. In Division 2S, Portlaoise completed another excellent win by beating Young Munster 55-0 and now sit atop of the division at this early stage.
Across the Leinster Leagues Edenderry continue to dominate Division 1 and secured a bonus point win against Longford who are finding the pace a bit hot in the league. Cill Dara are staying in touch in 2nd place.
In Division 2 there are three teams within 1 point of each other at the summit. Carlow 'Coyotes' went to the summit after a hard fought bonus point win against Old Belvedere and Kilkenny narrowly defeated Tullow to take 2nd place. Division 3 is becoming a two horse race with Railway Union continuing their good form with a huge win over Clondalkin and they lead Arklow by 2 points, Arklow were handed a walkover by UCD and the students seem to be struggling this season with 2 walkovers in 3 games. In Division 4 though the Railway Union J1s are struggling and are rock bottom. Newcomers CYM and the experienced Newbridge are battling out for top spot with Tallaght just two points behind.
A busy calendar of fixtures next week and hopefully a better weekend in terms of the number of walkovers.
WOMENS AIL DIV 1A
Sarah Lennon (@sarahlennon08) is passionate about all things rugby. A Leinster Season Ticket holder since the Donnybrook days, a supporter of the Irish teams home and abroad and can regularly be seen cheering on Junior Rugby at Stillorgan RFC (a labour of love). As well as spectating, she dabbles in playing a bit and is a member of Old Belvedere RFC and fully paid up member of the front row union.
