Ladies Match Reports
2016 - 2017 Season
Paul Flood Plate
CYM 17 – 18 Clondalkin RFC
It is Clondalkin RFC who will march on into the Paul Flood Plate in Donnybrook. The away team got off to the quicker start and built up on early 0-3 lead as CY failed to retain their own ball. The flow of play continued in Clondalkin’s favour and they were soon 0 – 13 up. A converted penalty just before the half time whistle had things looking more positive for the Y. 3 – 13 with a lot of work to be done. It was Clondalkin however who hit the gas after the break – a try in the corner was to be the decisive score in the contest. CYM did fight back, as you would expect from the newly crowned Division 2 champs, however it was too little too late. Two converted tries had the score at 17 – 18 heading into the last 20 minutes or so. A lot of injuries to the away side and one or two to the home side stilted the flow of things and Clondalkin were able to hold on for the win.
A disappointing end to a cracker of a season. A massive thank you to our coaches Niall Neville and Joe Halpin for bringing us along this exciting journey – even if we made it difficult and stressful viewing at times! Also a huge shout out to Sharon Scully our Team Manager for all the behind the scenes work making sure everything ran like a well-oiled machine – cheers Shaz!
We as a club had one task at the beginning of the season, way back in early September, and that was to go one better than last year. That we did. A fantastic bunch of Ladies pulling together for seven long months to achieve the same brilliant goal – The Division 2 Title. Mission accomplished. Anything after that was to be an added bonus. Along with the League success, this season we are also proud as a club to have doubled our numbers and have two competitive women’s teams.
The CY family in the heart of Terenure just keeps on growing.
The future is bright for CYM Women’s Rugby Club.
Paul Cusack Plate
Arklow vs CYM J1's
CY's J1's were out in action again on Sunday last, this time in the Paul Cusack Plate. Arklow were the opposition on what was to be a tough encounter for our J1's with Arklow having a lot of experience - playing against CY's senior team in Division 2 a couple of years ago.
It wasn't to be for our gals in terms of the 48 - 10 result, but the main aim was achieved - score tries in a competitive game and keep the passion and heart going through to the end. The club is hugely proud of what these girls have achieved and we cannot wait to see the progress they make heading into their second season with the club.
Paul Flood Cup
It was always going to be a massive ask for CYM Ladies turning up and performing to the same standards of last weekend's Final. Kilkenny had had 3 weeks to prepare for this clash and were well prepared and were very much deserving of the victory today.
Tired and battered bodies combined with missing a host of bodies through injury and holidays the aftermath of last weekend was always going to make today an uphill battle. Credit where credit is due - Kilkenny were the worthy victors today and we wish them all the very best in the remaining Cup fixtures!
Paul Cusack Cup
CYM J1's vs Balbriggan RFC
This was the first competitive outing for CY's J1. These girls had come a long long way since their first taste of rugby in our "Give it a Try" night way back in September.
It wasn't to be today against a tough and experienced Balbriggan side today. Balbriggan currently sit in Division 3 and just missed out on a place in the playoffs so it was always going to be a difficult task for our girls. However, what CY may have lacked in experience they certainly didn't lack effort and enthusiasm for the game.
A massive stepping stone for these ladies in what can only continue to grow and become better and better. Onwards and upwards as we look forward to the upcoming Plate match that will give another opportunity to put practice into action.
Division 2 Playoff Final - CYM vs Tullow
The Underdog;
A competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest.
This has been the label some placed on CYM from early doors this season. CY may not have been in some people’s “ones to watch” category but the greatest pleasures in life come from achieving things people said you couldn’t do. This was the plan all along. From the moment the final whistle blew in last year’s narrow defeat to Tullamore – CYM Ladies were building for 2017. Once the fixture calendar was released, March the 4th was always the end goal.
So with eyes firmly on the prize, the CY Ladies congregated in the club from early Saturday am. The mood amongst the camp was very relaxed. After all, this day had been talked about so much and for so long that it was just a relief to finally have arrived at this point. After some taping, some chit chat, some tasty pre game treats laid out by team manager extraordinaire Sharon Scully and some inspirational videos from team mates in faraway lands (Carmen Tutti, Siobhan Donnellan, Ciara Flanagan and Suzie Glynn – worked a treat girls!) the squad was ready to set off on the short bus trip to Donnybrook Stadium.
With the purple and green donned, the crowd building, the nerves tingling, the rain pelting down – the scene was set. It was wholly evident from the kick off that the Terenure outfit had stepped onto the pitch determined to right the wrongs of 12 months ago.
Tullow were pinned into their own half for the vast majority of the opening exchanges and in fact most of the first half. For CY, the set piece came together beautifully on the day. In harsh conditions, Ashley Harmon’s delivery to the line out was top-notch, as was the work of the whole pack who dominated in the early scrums that were awarded. Tight head Eibhlin Greaney who only took up rugby last September did not look out of place one bit in her first League Final.
Knowing how Tullow have had a tendency to apply the pressure at the break down – the pack, marshalled by Captain Lucy Barry, with the experienced heads of Rachel Horan, Catriona Gallagher, Aisling Doherty, Promise Chapwanya and Monica Beresford were unyielding in their securing of the rucks. This allowed for CY scrum half Jackie Flatley to get good clean ball, and saw the back line of Hannah O’ Connor, Siobhan Leahy, Diane McIlhagga, Caoimhe Brady, Regina Lennon and full back Brenda Healy get things ticking over in the open field. However, despite this dominance, Tullow were not unbeaten in 16 league games for nothing. Despite a crossing of the whitewash by the youthful Cats Gallagher, the referee saw things differently and at half time the score stood 0 – 0.
One of the high points of CYM’s year before the final has been the acquisition of so many new players to the club. The squad has almost doubled in size - allowing for the Y to have strength in depth off the bench. Carla Dalton, Joanna Walsh, Aude de Cassanove, Kiera McKinley, Evelyn Clinton, Jenny Miggins and Eileen Shanahan may have been on the bench to begin - but all just as capable as the starting 15. Again, girls on that bench that had never touched a rugby ball 8 months ago now representing our club in a Leinster League Final.
The second half did not make for easy viewing for the supporters. Scrum after scrum, line out after line out, defence after defence. It was one of those days. The weather was not keen on doing either side any favours. 3 missed penalties and a missed drop goal attempt. CYM providing more of an attacking threat all round but resolute defending on both sides leaving things as they were at the off, 0 – 0 once again.
As extra time loomed, CY were still confident. Coaches Niall Neville and Joseph Halpin’s dreaded running/fitness sessions were finally going to pay off. As too were the weekly gym sessions that trainer Adrian Quinn had put in with the squad since May of last year. Not to mention the inspirational words at the break from club President Dave "Gumbo" Cruddas.
With 5 minutes on the clock in extra time, the Y found themselves with a scrum on the Tullow 5 metre line.
“Crouch – Bind – Set”. Ball fed in by scrumhalf Flately, travelling back until it was steadily at the feet of CY number 8 Horan. The scrum, as it had been all day, holding firm. Horan then choosing her moment to pick and go with support from Leahy on a hard line from 12. Tullow’s defence thwarting this route however and Flately was forced to call in the reinforcements to secure the resulting ruck. From here the ball was popped out to O’Connor in the centre, who released McIlhagga further right and then… This was to be the moment that the Y had waited not only 85 minutes for, but a whole year for – The Try. And with what is perhaps to be a good omen for the 3rd Sunday in September - it was finished off in the corner by Brenda ‘Mayo 4 Sam’ Healy.
Relief, euphoria, exhaustion all in one magic moment. The remaining 5 and half minutes felt like an eternity never mind the last 10 seconds. From hearing the referee's watch beep over into the red… the words “that is it” being uttered….watching the last tired kick sail over the touch line….and then at last - the oh so sweet sound of the final whistle.
CYM are the Champions of the Division 2 Leinster League.
CYM are going up.
Gorey 12 - 10 CYM
CY Ladies hit the road for the last time today, Gorey RFC the destination for the last league game of the 2016 – 2017 season. With the late concession by Suttonians RFC last week, the Y were in the unusual position of already having their place in the League Final confirmed without so much as throwing a ball. So the impetus this weekend was performance. Blowing off the cobwebs after a number of disappointing concessions was key for CY and no better opposition to do that against then the very competitive Gorey. The reverse fixture ending in a 14 – 14 draw a few months previous.
The game started at an explosive pace. From the kick off CY pinned the home side inside their own 22 and asked a number of questions early on. The little bit of match rustiness showed however and Gorey eventually managed to clear their lines. Gorey had no sooner cleared their lines when they pounced on a handling error from the visitors to score the game’s opening try. 5- 0 the hosts now led.
The second try for Gorey followed soon after, again a mixture of errors on CY’s part and good swift attacking play by the home side. 12 – 0 was what separated the two sides at half time.
The second half carried on in the same vein as the first. Fast paced rugby. Both sided having their fair share of the possession. It was CY who were next to capitalise on this however. A very tidy try - Carla Dalton and Ashley Harmon combining to dot down, after excellent work on the rolling maul from the lineout. Unconverted however so 12 – 5 was now the score.
CYM had started to find their flow now. Systems were in full swing and the pack continued to dominate the set pieces. The next try came again for the visitors. Lovely play from the pack, moving the ball out to Rachel Horan who was supported by Promise Chapwanya on the outside to storm through to make the score a closer looking 12 – 10.
From the kick off CY looked to press Gorey back once more, two pin point precision kicks from Siobhan Leahy had CY playing exactly where they wanted to be. Gorey were suffocated of any real attacking threat in the second half, but credit where credit is due they held their own on the defensive front and kept the visitors from getting the elusive winning score.
CYM's focus now shifts to March the 4th. The date they have been building a year for. After last years disappointing 2 point loss to Tullamore, CY will be looking to topple Tullow to be crowned Division 2 Champions and earn promotion to Division 1.
CYM vs Wanderers
Pre - Cup Match
Development Team
CYM have had a fantastically successful year in terms of the Women’s rugby section in the club. With the Senior Team flying high in Division 2, we also have for the first time in the club’s history a Women’s Development Team. The “Give it a Try” back in September proved a huge success. Numbers have grown to almost double this time last year – 25 to 30 ladies turning up to training being a regular occurrence this season.
This Sunday, the 29th of January was to be just the second development game for the 2nd’s Team. The first outing against Blackrock late last year was a great learning experience for all involved and the girls were itching to get going again in the New Year! Wanderers were the opposition today. A strong team, having great success in Division 4 and looking on course for promotion to the upper tier.
CYM gave a terrific account of themselves. Showing massive learnings from the initial encounter with Blackrock to hold Wanderers scoreless for the first quarter of an hour or so. Great passion and intensity all round – despite this being the first ever game of rugby for some of our girls. The overall result wasn’t in the favour of CYM but the improvements that were to be seen speaks volumes of where CY have come from and where we are going to as a growing club.
Well done to all involved. Best of luck to Wanderers in the remainder of their season and of course best of luck to CYM Development Squad who now build towards the first round of the cup.
CYM 0 - 12 Tullow
A bright and crisp Sunday morning set the tone nicely for the early kick off between 2nd placed CYM and 1st placed Tullow, on what was this Super Sunday in the Terenure grounds. Tullow were going to be no easy challenge. CYM were well aware of the threat they possessed. However, the home side had fond memories on Dublin soil – coming back from the brink in last year’s league semi-final to pip the Carlow outfit to the post and seal the spot in the Donnybrook Final.
It was very much as expected from the start in terms of the quality of play – both sides moving through the phases with very little unforced errors - the perfect weather helping of course to play its part. Tullow were the first to get off the mark with a converted penalty for a high tackle. CYM had their opportunities – a quick thinking tap and go from Captain Lucy Barry almost saw the backs work through the hands into the opposite corner but it wasn’t to be. In what was a very tight and evenly contested first half this is how the score remained at half time: 0-3.
The second half saw Tullow add to their total through some more ‘gifts’ from CYM. These needless penalties were ultimately to be the difference between the two sides.
Overall as a game, disappointing result for the CYM Ladies but plenty to take from it. The defence was solid and kept the try count to zero for the table toppers. Passion, heart and fitness there in abundance from all. The difference between the sides today was minute. Hopefully we’ll see CYM get their opportunity to make amends and get the victory when it really matters in the League Final.
Kilkenny 6 - 10 CYM
Recent fixtures between CYM and Kilkenny RFC never fail to entertain on both the rugby front and on the excitement front! Our last home meeting in October versus the same opposition, required 2 separate ambulances, and ended in a one point win for CY. Last year’s away fixture to Foulkstown saw CY losing throughout the whole game, only for Ev Kearns to run the whole length of pitch to score a try under the posts with the last play of the game. The following conversion resulting in a one point victory - snatched from the jaws of defeat. So CY were expecting to come up against a strong Kilkenny side, one who were going to be gunning for some revenge.
The game started off at a frenetic pace. A combination of a strong gale down field gale and good play saw Kilkenny park themselves inside the CY 22 for the opening exchanges. CY defended well but some ill-discipline allowed for the home team to pop over 3 points from a penalty. Despite the early set back CY fronted up for the first half with some sublime tackling from Promise Chapwanya shut down the Kilkenny attack on more than one occasion. The away side worked their way out of their own half and put in some lovely phases of play but were just not able to connect all the pieces of the puzzle for the opening try. 3-0 it stood at half time, a score line CYM would be very content with having been down to 13 players for the closing 8 minutes of the half.
That “front up attitude” that Captain Barry and coach Neville asked for at half time really shone through in the first 5 minutes of the second half. Bodies were thrown on the line and every single player showed heart and determination to claw a way back into the game. Kilkenny true to form, didn’t back down either and utilised their pack and backs to mix up play well and gain territory. A penalty for an infringement at the ruck was kicked between the posts. 6 – 0 the score stood with 15 minutes gone.
The CYM ladies heads never dropped, and belief was there throughout. Patience, perseverance and fitness were to be key in the closing stages. The CYM forwards absolutely dominated the Kilkenny scrum all day – even with the metre and a half push Kilkenny were under severe pressure. It was off this set piece that CY had their first meaningful foray into the Kilkenny half. Silky hands between the back-line released Brenda Healy away for the opening try of the game. 6-5 the score now stood.
The wind was still very much playing its part deep into the second half. A monstrous kick from Siobhan Leahy split the pitch and sent the Kilkenny defence scampering back. The kick chase line pressurised Kilkenny into the cynical foul - a yellow card for them and a penalty for the Y had the way side nicely placed within the favoured 22 metre line.
CYM’s patience and perseverance were telling. Super team play, working through the phases, wearing the now tiring Kilkenny defence down. An incisive line from Rachel Horan saw CY eventually dot down over the whitewash for their second try of the game. 6-10 the updated score.
4 minutes remained. Battered and aching bodies on both sides but plenty of time for another score or scores even! However it was tremendous defence right across the pitch from CYM – each of the substitutes playing a vital part in this. The ball was finally cleared into touch and the full time whistle blown – a crucial away win for CYM.
CYM looking like a team who mean business. Post-Christmas cobwebs well and truly blown off, and these Ladies looking like a team that is getting close to firing on all cylinders. Tullow are up next for CYM. 1st versus 2nd. One the girls cannot wait for. Be there at 12pm for what promises to be a humdinger of a clash.
CYM 20 - 17 Clondalkin
“New Year, New Me” – a phrase that CYM Ladies were hoping wouldn’t be utilised for them in early January! The Ladies were very much looking to continue on from where they stopped before the Christmas break. Winning.
Clondalkin RFC were our visitors today. Clashes between the two sides over the last few years have always provided a great spectacle for the neutral – lots of tries in close fought encounters. Today was no different – a 6 try contest with only a penalty separating the two sides. 20 – 17 the final score in favour of the Terenure Ladies.
CYM shared the vast majority of the possession in the opening half. Camping out in the Clondalkin 22 metre and even 10 metre line for almost 2/3’s of the half but only converting chances to scores on two occasions. A wonderful set piece move off a scrum for Caoimhe Brady to convert. Followed by a super ‘crash-it-up’ try by Ashley ‘Smashley Harmon. Diane McIlhagga converting one of the tries. The half time scores stood at 12-0.
Second half was a more closely fought affair.
Clondalkin utilised the pick and go to good effect and used their pace on the outside to cause damage. Within the opening 20 mins of the second half they were back within two – 12-10 the score. Missed conversions costing Clondalkin a share of the spoils at that stage.
On the following restart, CY started showing a bit more bite and grit and earned a penalty which McIlhagga neatly converted to reassure the lead at 15-10. The following restart was exactly what the doctor ordered- a great collection by forward Harmon who bulldozed her way right up to the 22. Quick recycling from the subsequent ruck allowed Rachel Horan to cross the white wash in the right hand corner for try number 3. 20-10 to CYM with 20 minutes or so to go.
True to form of the past battles, Clondalkin were not to perturbed by this set back and pushed the CY Ladies right to the wire nabbing a try of their own to make it 20-17 with 5 minutes left.
Next up for CYM is Kilkenny Ladies away in Foulkstown at 1pm. With CY pushing to maintain the good form and winning streak, and Kilkenny looking to make a march on 2nd place, it will no doubt be a humdinger of a clash!
CYM 36 - 5 Wexford Wanderers
Today marked the second last game before the Christmas break! And Wexford Wanderers were the visitors to Sports Club this lunch time. A bonus point win would see CYM retain their grip on second place ahead of Gorey. However, a win in itself so was the first priority on the agenda never mind the bonus point.
The opening 15 minutes were really a case of both teams finding their feet with no real foothold being made and yet no real mistakes being made either. CYM got the first breakthrough around the 20 minute mark with Captain Lucy Barry running a wonderful line to cut through the Wexford packs defence. 5-0 to CYM. The first try was swiftly followed by a second. This time it was Ashley ‘Smashley’ Harmon making a barnstorming run down the left half of the field to dot down for the 5. Diane McIlhagga with the added 2. 12 – 0 to CYM. The third and final try of the half came from a fly hack through from Lucy Barry. She was very quick to pounce on the dropped pass from the opposition and finished it off to perfection with her second of the game. 19-0 it stood at the end of the opening 40.
The bonus point was very much the focus for the second half. Also of equal importance was defence. Wexford, as expected, have an incredibly strong pack who enjoy to pick and go and maul – and when given time and space can work these tactics to great effect. CY Ladies were aware of this threat and were keen to shut it down throughout the game.
Try number 4 came after an excellent move off the scrum between Rachel Horan and Regina Lennon., with Barry finishing the move off with her 3rd and CYM’s 4th of the day. 24-0 was the updated score. Monica “HontheMon” Beresford got her first of the season soon after, again great team play and hard cutting lines being the difference in wearing Wexford’s defence down. Barry who had a tremendous game added her fourth of the day shortly after the hour mark. 36 – 0 the score.
Credit must go to Wexford, despite CYM’s dominance the tries were not easy to come by and CYM were made work for every one of their points today. Their perseverance and commitment to the cause were to be rewarded in the last quarter with a try of their own after some strong running from the pack.
36 – 5 the final score today. A scoreboard reflective of CYM’s dominance on the day. Thank you to the Wexford girls for making the journey up despite being short on numbers. An enjoyable game of rugby for the spectators with great tackling on show from both teams and some tremendous passages of free flowing rugby on display from CYM.
Join us same time and place next weekend for CY’s Super Festive Sunday! Both the Men and the Women in action followed by festive fun and Secret Santa unveiling in the clubhouse!
CYM 14 - 14 Gorey
CYM welcomed Gorey Ladies to Terenure this morning in what was an earlier than usual kick off time of 11.30am- due to the fact everyone was keen to get down to UCD to witness the final clash of the Irish Women’s November Series against the Black Ferns. Weather and conditions were perfect for this bumper day of rugby.
The game started off at a frenetic pace - a combination of CY’s own errors and good attacking play from the visitors resulting in much of the opening exchanges being carried out within the home sides 22’. Despite this, CY defended like trojans and made the hits when they needed to be made and forced some errors. Pressure however was telling and Gorey’s pace in the back line saw them break the deadlock and notch the first 7 points on the scoreboard.
In true CYM style the ladies bounced back with some telling pressure of their own. Having put together some swift pieces of team play and forcing the penalties the Y found themselves with a scrum on the opposition’s 22. A pick up from the base of the scrum by number 8 Rachel Horan saw her peel away and bulldoze through the defensive line and reach for the whitewash. 7 all the scores now stood and that was to be the way it finished in the first 40.
The second 40 minutes was just as hard hitting and fast paced as the first. A match of good quality rugby with both sides having their moments in the danger zones. It was CY who hit the front first – arguably against the run of play at the time – a fantastic opportunistic intercept by Diane McIlhagga saw her race almost the length of the pitch to dot down and add 7 more to the CY scoreboard. However, credit to Gorey they were not to let up and fought back for a try of their own within the final quarter.
So 14 – 14 it finished. The draw not what either team was looking for today, but probably a fair result given the to and fro nature of the game. Roll on the Christmas period where CYM can continue to march towards the summit of the table.
Suttonians 19 - 25 CYM
After a couple weeks off - between a rest weekend and a concession by NM Falcons - the CY Ladies were anxious to get back to winning ways after the last match – a defeat away to Tullow. That they did. A 25 – 19 victory on the road in North Dublin against the Ladies of Suttonians RFC.
An absolutely gorgeous day for rugby, albeit a cold one, but any day without rain and howling wind is very much welcomed. The game started off well with good early pressure and play resulting in the opening try and conversion coming to CYM –both supplied by a line break by Diane McIlhagga. However, as expected Suttonians hit back hard with 2 tries in quick succession. A follow up penalty by McIlhagga settled things down. At half time the score stood at 12 – 10 to the hosts.
The to and fro nature of the game continued into the second half. Suttonians added another 7 points to the score board after some missed tackles in the centre of the park. This was a testing time for CY as it was arguably the closest game they have had to date. It was to test character and determination to be able to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and start to mount the comeback.
Half way through the second half a converted try by Rachel Horan started to make things look better. 19 – 17 and CY looked the more composed of the two teams. A penalty from McIlhagga on the hour mark had the game at 19 - 20. As Suttonians tired in the latter stages, CYM only seemed to grow in strength, the strong bench coming to the fore. Lucy Barry touching the ball down under the posts after some excellent team phases from left to right. 19 - 25
Having gone from staring defeat in the face to being able to smell the bonus point, CYM looked to pile the pressure late on. Credit to Suttonians, they always looked to be a threat and had their own chances late on which required some great tackling and focus from the Y deep within the 22.
A win is a win. Four points sets CYM up nicely in second place in the league table. Next weekend is another humdinger, with fellow title chasers Gorey visiting CYM in Terenure for the first time.
CYM vs Gorey kicks off at the earlier time of 12:30pm next Sunday. All support massively welcomed as always as the Ladies look to further their charge to the summit of the Division 2 league table.
Tullow 31 - 7 CYM
Bump in the road for the Ladies.
CYM Ladies travelled to Co.Carlow on Sunday last to play Tullow RFC. The team travelled with large numbers and were prepared for a tough game following on from a close win in last years league Semi-Final.
Conditions would favour one team in each half as a strong wind blew from one end of the pitch to the other. Tullow started with the wind at their backs and played as any team would, keeping the ball in the CYM half for a lot of the first 40 minutes. They were gifted 2 penalty tries early on by the referee when the last players in the CYM line of defence tackled high. A bad start for the CYM ladies. However, they fought back strong and kept their penalty count very low for the rest of the half. Tullow kept to their plan of spreading the ball wide and worked from a scrum to dot down for a try in the corner. The score at half time stood at 21-0 to the home side.
In the second half, CYM Ladies had the wind but were punished when a strong runner broke through the line with a great run to touch down for Tullow's 4th try. They brought the try count to 5 soon after with more direct running from their backs. CYM had had some good opportunities in the second half but only their final effort was rewarded with a try from Lucy Barry under the posts after some phases were put together and a gap was spotted in the Tullow defence. Converted by Diane McIllhagga, it was to be the last score of the game which finished 31-7 to Tullow.
A disappointing day for the CY Ladies after such a positive start to the league campaign. They now have two weekends off which will allow them to build back up to winning ways for their next challenge against NM Falcons in CYM on the 27th of November.
CYM 13 - Kilkenny 12
CYM Ladies tested against Kilkenny
With maximum points from the first three league outings, CYM Ladies were ready and looking forward to their first home game of the season. The ladies were hosts to Kilkenny who, this time last year, they beat by one point in the final play of the game- a sign of the tight game that was to unfold.
Starting with intent, CYM put pressure on from the beginning resulting in Kilkenny giving away penalties and the first five minutes being played inside the Kilkenny 22. Play was then halted for at least 30 minutes when CYM out-half Hannah O'Connor sustained an injury which required an ambulance. As the CYM players and coaches came to terms with such a significant loss to their team, Kilkenny were ready to make their mark. Shortly after play resumed they made a fantastic run down the wing from inside their own half which ended in a score under the posts. 7-0 to the visitors.
The CYM players settled back into the game and Kilkenny continued to infringe which allowed Diane McIlhagga to get CYM onto the scoring sheet with a penalty. Building momentum, CYM continued to put the phases together and Lucy Barry was put into touch 5 meters from the try line after the ball was flashed out to the wing. Keeping the pressure on in the resulting lineout allowed Monica Beresford to pounce on a loose ball, bringing CYM into the lead before half time. The score at the break remained 8-7, with Kilkenny down to 14 players.
Unfortunately, the second half started much like the first with another long break in play as the Kilkenny scrumhalf awaited the second ambulance of the day. When play resumed it was Kilkenny whose efforts were rewarded first. Jackie Flatley and Brenda Healy worked tirelessly to hold up two tries with the Kilkenny try being dotted down in the far corner after the second 5 meter scrum; 12-8 to Kilkenny.
Once CYM got back into the Kilkenny half they worked hard to build the phases, Rachel Horan and Promise Chapwanya carrying ball fiercely. Persistence paid off when Ashley Harmon took advantage of poor defence at the ruck area. The prop took the ball on with the intention of crossing the whitewash and no one could stop her. It brought CYM back in front by one point, 13-12.
The game finished with CYM down to 14 players, but with a hard fought win under their belts. A game of mixed emotions as both teams came to terms with the losses of key players. CYM Ladies remain top of the league table with four wins from four and play Tullow next Sunday the 16th in an away fixture.
Clondalkin 16 - CYM 32
CYM Ladies were on the road once again this Sunday- but luckily only a short journey down the N7 was all that was on the cards today, as Clondalkin were our hosts in Gordon Park. Having braced ourselves all week for the deluge of rain that was promised, we were presently surprised to arrive to blue skies and a moderate wind for a change!
With a weekend break coming up, the CY ladies were determined to go into this mini rest period 3 and 0. But having played Clondalkin in the last two seasons in cup competitions we knew the former League One outfit were not going to roll over especially on home turf.
Clondalkin dominated the early spells of the encounter. After some early morning errors from the CY ladies Clondalkin deservedly found themselves 8-0 up. And with the concession of early scores came the beautiful change in Irish weather. Queue the entrance of wind and rain that was promised- many thanks to Evelyn Cusack for this.
However not all change was bad, with the seasonal changes came a change in possession and in dominance. CY got their hands more and more and the ball and started to tick through the phases. Patience was to be the key to cracking this game open. A wonderful team try, sweeping from right to left, saw Jackie Flatley dot down in the corner for the Y’s opening 5 points. Conversion just falling short from Hannah O’ Connor. Perseverance and grit were to be rewarded and 30 odd minutes the scores stood at 8 apiece. Before half time, CY ramped up the pressure and saw their efforts rewarded with another sweeping team try finished off by Captain Lucy Barry. 8-13 at halftime to the away side.
The second half got under way fairly swiftly in a day that was giving us a sample of all four seasons. Again, hat tip to Evelyn at Met Éireann for the prediction of such magical sights. Unlike the weather, Clondalkin didn’t change what they set out to do. Shortly after the break they narrowed the CY Ladies lead to 11-13 through a gifted penalty.
A wonderful break from Diane McIlhagga cut a hole in the tiring Clondalkin defence and the score was back out to an 11-20 lead. 3 minutes later another breakthrough came. Excellent work in the break down secured the ball for Evelyn Clinton to recycle it quickly out the back. A blistering break away from Ashley Harmon down the wing, interlinking beautifully with a pop pass to Flatley before being returned to the prop to do the honours under the posts. 11-27 was the score with 50 minutes gone. Bonus point guaranteed. A well spotted intercept by McIlhagga soon after resulted in another 5 and the tally stood at 11-32. True to the character we have seen over the last few years, Clondalkin never let up and added another try before the final whistle bringing the final total for the day to Clondalkin 16 - CYM 32.
CYM can look forward to the break next week knowing that they have achieved maximum points on offer. Kilkenny at home is next up on the cards in what promises to be a cracker if last year’s duels are anything to go by. Sunday 9th of October at 1pm.
New Ross RFC 12 - CYM 26
New Ross RFC 12 - CYM 26
CYM were on the road again this Sunday. Again, we were once more heading to the south-east. New Ross Ladies were our hosts and the conditions ensured it was to be a testing day’s rugby in a constant drizzling of rain from kick off. The strength in depth of the CY squad was put to the test today due to our Mayo contingent heading to Croker in the hope of bringing a certain Sam Maguire west of the Shannon. A special mention has to go to Brenda Healy who declined a ticket at the 11th hour in order to keep us in check from full back!
CY started well and were keen to get hands on the ball and shake off any cobwebs from the long car journey! And that they did, moving the play from right to left before Captain Lucy Barry pierced through a gap and dotted down for the game’s first try. Hannah O’ Connor added the extras.
As we expected New Ross came straight back at us. Utilising their strong pack to pick and go from within the 5 metre and getting their reward after numerous phases. New Ross added another just before the break, almost identical to the first. With a missed conversion the score at half time stood at New Ross 12- CYM 7.
A frank talking to at half time by head coach Niall Neville did the business and everyone knew what they had to do to regain control of this fixture. And that they did. Superb forward play in both open play and the scrums gave a great platform for the backs to work off. Second half tries from Caoimhe Brady, Rachel Horan and Brenda “Mayo 4 Sam” Healy ensured the bonus point victory for CYM Ladies.
12 – 26 the final score in CYM’s favour. A great result on the road making it 2 from 2 for the new season. Well done to Ashley ‘Smashly’ Harmon on her very deserved Player of the Match gong. A great day all round for the forwards with Eibhlin Greaney, Jenny Miggin, Charlene Dowling and Aude de Casanove slotting in brilliantly in just their first and second competitive outings. Well done gals and on we march!
Next up for CYM, a trip to Gordon Park with Clondalkin the hosts. Sunday, September 25th at 1pm.
Wexford Wanderers 7 - CYM 52
CYM kicked off the new season with a trip to Wexford Wanderers in the sunny south-east. The sun certainly made an appearance, as did a lovely breeze which made for interesting conditions. With a squad mixed with experience and fresh faces – CY were raring to go and put the learning experiences of the friendlies into competitive action.
CY were wary of the threat that Wexford could pose; a strong pack caused a lot of damage last year in both the home and away fixtures. However, any nerves were settled early on with some lovely team passing and link up play. Persistent pressure paid off and resulted in Rachel Horan breaking the line out wide and dotting down for the game’s opening try, converted by Hannah O’ Connor.
With CY keen to use the strong tail wind to their advantage in the first half they continued to press hard. With debutant Kiera McKinley dotting down in the corner after some rapid break away play out wide by the backs. Following some solid play from the pack, Ashley Harmon was rewarded soon after with a great drive from 5 metres out. Hannah with the conversion. Shortly before the half time whistle, a quick tap and go caught the Wexford defence cold and Hannah touched down for 24-0. The conversion added making it 26-0 at the break.
Learning from previous mistakes against Wexford, CY were keen not to take the foot off the gas in the second half. Pushing on with a 0-0 mentality, Rachel Horan got in for another 5 pointer out wide after some persistent play to get CY moving up the pitch. A line break from Diane McIlhagga midway through the second period notched another 5 on the board, Hannah with the conversion. Adding to the second half rout, Brenda Healy sniped a lovely try off the base of the ruck and fought hard against some last ditch defence to get the ball down. Following some lovely interplay out wide from the back line, McIlhagga touched down for her brace and CY’s last try of the day. 52-0 after the conversion.
Staying true to last year’s tactics, Wexford never stopped driving at the CY defence and were duly rewarded with a try in the last play of the game.
52-7 it finished to CYM Ladies. A solid result with great attitude and determination shown by the squad to kickstart the 2016-2017 season. A final mention needs to go to Evelyn, Eibhlín, Jenny, Lisa, Kiera and Caoimhe all making their debuts for the CYM family. Not a bother to any of them and looking perfectly at home on the rugby pitch. Roll on New Ross next weekend.
Pre-Season Matches
After a long layoff over the summer, CYM Ladies have been back in preseason for 6 weeks now. With returning coach Niall Neville kicking things off, the ladies have also welcomed a new forwards coach in the form of Kerryman Joe Halpin. Training has been going well with lots of new faces and not so new fitness!
The first of the training games was played against Division 3 side Barnhall. CYM travelled with 14 players, 3 of whom were donning the jersey for the first time. It didn’t take the CY ladies long to get off the mark and they kept the pace throughout the game finishing with 5 tries, scored by Hannah O'Connor, Lucy Barry, Evelyn Clinton and two tries by Siobhan Leahy. Hannah O'Connor converted 3 of these to bring the final score to 31-10.
Onto the next challenge, and getting closer to the beginning of the Division 2 league, CYM went to Ballsbridge to run out against Old Belvedere Ladies. As some players rested minor injuries ahead of this weekend’s league game, more new recruits stepped up to the mark. Old Belvedere presented a game of serious pace and coupled with their quick passing they were awarded with a try mid-way through the first half. CYM had some great moments in the first half but the score remained 5- 0 to the home side at half time. After building up some phases early on in the second half, CY kept their composure and finished off with a try in the corner, scored by Lucy Barry. Belvo piled on the pressure again making some great breaks, nearing the line many times. Their efforts were rewarded late on in the match and with the daylight fading the game finished 12-5 to the home side.
Building from the two training games and excellent turnouts at training, the CY Ladies are looking forward to their first league game this Sunday the 11th September, away to Wexford Wanderers.