Dundalk survive slow start to secure provincial crown

Leinster U14 Plate Final

Dundalk RFC 29- 19 Wicklow RFC

Last weekend the Dundalk RFC U14 Girls travelled to Carlow IT to take part in the Leinster Final. The opponents on the day were Wicklow RFC.

Dundalk got off to a slow start and found the Garden County side's defence very difficult to break down.

They were going through their usual controlled phases of play, but then completely against the run of play Wicklow turned over the ball and raced through to score the first try of the match.

Soon after they scored another try and conversion, meaning the Louth side had a battle on their hands, as they trailed by 12 -0 after just 15 minutes of play. 

To their credit, Dundalk showed great battling qualities and got themselves back into the match just before halftime. A break from centre field into Wicklow's 22 resulted in a penalty to Dundalk who opted to take a scrum.

They set up for a training ground move and this resulted in a great try and conversion from Maggie Kerin which left the scoreline 12 - 7 at halftime in Wicklow's favour.

This gave the Dundalk Girls the lift they needed, and they started the 2nd half with the determination that has seen them progressing so well through this competition.

After only five mins of play in the 2nd half, Dundalk scored again with Anna Cosgrove making a break for the try-line to bring the match level at 12 - 12.

Shortly after the girls in black and white hoops went ahead for the first time, some brilliant work by their forwards resulting in Helena Zucchini receiving the ball and powerfully running to the line to give them a 19 – 12 lead.

It was a war of attrition at times for the next quarter, but after some great play by the backs Dundalk ran in for another try.

A brilliant kick from the Dundalk No.10 bounced beautifully for Lana Cunningham who took it in her stride. The speed and determination from the Dundalk winger got her to the try-line, leaving her team 24 - 12 ahead.

Wicklow to their credit battled back and got another score on the board to leave it at 24 - 19 going into the last few minutes of the game.

Both teams were out on their feet at this stage when Dundalk made the all-important break with just a minute on the clock.

Anna Cosgrove used the blindside of a ruck to perfection and ran in to score a try which settled the travelling fans' nerves.

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The final whistle went and Dundalk were Leinster Champions following a cracking contest that ended 29 -19 in their favour.

The team were presented with the trophy by Leinster Rugby officials in front of a huge support that was gathered. It was a great squad performance that got these Girls to this stage of the season, with the team from Louth seen by most in attendance at the final as worthy winners.

Dundalk RFC Squad: Lucy Fleming, Neala Halpin, Polina Matseyveya, Sophia Coker, Sarah Duffy, Ellen Bermingham, Ruby Devlin, Maggie Kerin (Capt), Lana Cunningham, Helena Zucchini, Poppy Veale, Lauren Ferguson, Anna Cosgrove, Ava King, Mary Kate Copas, Juliet Byrne, Elsa Rowley, Penny Sharkey, Hazel Finegan, Holly Grant, Saoirse Garvey, Sarah Mc Donnell, Jessica Ellis, Sadbh Malone, Nair Mimoso.