It was a busy day down at Athy RFC as the Leinster Women’s leagues were down for decision, writes Sarah Lennon…
Athy rugby club was the setting for this season's Leinster women's league finals. The teams finishing top of Division 1-4 all qualified automatically and the remaining final places were decided as teams 2&3 contested a semi final.
In all there were 5 matches held in a busy afternoon in Athy, with the 4 division finals and a charity game for the Lynsey Cribben trust. Adding to the female theme was the fact that all matches were referred by women refs, a fantastic achievement and an indicator of the progress that women are making as referees.
The conditions were difficult in Athy, with intermittent rain and cold temperatures making handling difficult and the extremely soft surfaces making scrummaging difficult, even if it did mean a softer landing!
In the Division 4, Newbridge were hot favourites over the host side Athy, who had finished third in their first season as a team. It was Athy however that made home advantage count, sealing the narrowest of victories with a 5-0 win.
The Division 3 final wasn't as close, with Railway Union sealing a 42-0 win over Clondalkin. Railway (see above pic) have been a class apart this season in Division 3 with 8 bonus point wins. They will make a step up to Division 2 next season and provided they can keep the squad together they will fancy their chances in that league next season.
The Division 2 title was another close affair. The Carlow Coyotes had dominated the division with ten wins out of ten and the took on Old Belvedere J1 team. The last meeting between these teams had gone Carlow's way by a solitary point and it was to prove the same again. Carlow struck 2 penalties, one either side of a stunning try by Hayley White, but this was enough to secure a 6-5 win. These teams will be looking forward to renewing the contest in Division 1 next season.
In the Division 1 final Edenderry took on Rathdrum. Edenderry have a tradition of being the bridesmaids in finals and were looking to put that straight. Again, the conditions ensured that a tryfest was not on the cards and the teams exchanged a try a piece in the teeming rain. An Edenderry penalty gave them an 8-5 lead going into the final minutes and they must have feared the worst as Rathdrum lay siege to their try line. A crucial turnover followed by a relieving kick lifted the siege and Edenderry held on to win the Division 1 title by 3 points.
Some fantastic, tense rugby on display in mucky conditions on the day and Athy, Railway Union, Carlow and Edenderry were victorious in their respective divisions. The teams have no time to rest on their laurels however as this weekend sees the beginning of the Leinster Cup & Shield competitions. Special mention and good luck to two new teams in the Leinster shield with Gorey women entering as well as Old Belvedere who become the first woman's team to establish a J2 team.
Good luck to all for the cup season!
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.
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