Sunday 13th October marked the beginning of our senior ladies' competitive league, as a seasoned team from the past two years joined forces with our new players to face a determined Ballincollig side.
The match kicked off with Midleton taking the initiative, launching a determined chase led by the pack. Strong tackling from the backline kept our opponents pinned in their half. Both teams delivered big hits in the opening minutes, but Midleton struck first. Our number 10, Kellie, broke through from distance to score the opening try, giving us a 5-0 lead.
From the kick-off, Ballincollig pressed hard to establish a presence in the Midleton half, but our resolute defense held firm. Eventually, Ballincollig found a way through, scoring in the corner, although their conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
What followed was a fierce contest, with play largely confined between the 10-meter lines of both halves. After a strong break from the Ballincollig midfield, they created an overlap that resulted in another score, bringing the game to 10-5.
Undeterred, Midleton responded vigorously, driving deep into the Ballincollig 22. The pack and backline worked tirelessly to break through, and after several close attempts, our captain, Ka, forced her way over the line to score. Kellie successfully converted the try, leaving the halftime score at 12-10 in favor of Midleton.
The second half began with Ballincollig sending a low ball into the Midleton forward pack. As in the first half, both teams contested fiercely at the breakdown, showcasing exceptional tackling skills. Midleton struggled to escape their half, but their outhalf found space on several occasions, only for Ballincollig to counterattack effectively.
Midleton’s lineout performed exceptionally well, with Sophie being lifted by Susie, Ka and Doireann, allowing them to secure possession every time. In the backline, Kellie, Rosa, Emma, Anne, and Brid seized opportunities to attack, executing several slick passing moves.
Ballincollig scored the next try after a series of quick tap penalties, bringing the score to 15-12. The conversion was missed, but they quickly resumed their attack. Midleton defended valiantly, making numerous tackles as Ballincollig advanced toward the line. Despite their efforts, Ballincollig managed to score in the corner, extending their lead to 20-12 with just ten minutes remaining.
Undeterred, Midleton demonstrated their resilience. From the kickoff, a strong chase resulted in a scrum for Midleton. They pursued a score with a series of backline moves and powerful forward carries, pushing into Ballincollig’s 22. Both teams displayed tremendous determination as Ballincollig threw everything they had at the Midleton attackers. Eventually, Ka broke through the defense, scoring her second try and Midleton’s third. Kellie converted the tricky kick, narrowing the gap to just one point at 20-19.
As time wound down, Midleton fought hard, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and determination. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to secure the crucial score. While the outcome wasn’t what they had hoped for, the commitment and effort displayed by every player throughout the match promise that their hard work will pay off in the near future.
The match kicked off with Midleton taking the initiative, launching a determined chase led by the pack. Strong tackling from the backline kept our opponents pinned in their half. Both teams delivered big hits in the opening minutes, but Midleton struck first. Our number 10, Kellie, broke through from distance to score the opening try, giving us a 5-0 lead.
From the kick-off, Ballincollig pressed hard to establish a presence in the Midleton half, but our resolute defense held firm. Eventually, Ballincollig found a way through, scoring in the corner, although their conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
What followed was a fierce contest, with play largely confined between the 10-meter lines of both halves. After a strong break from the Ballincollig midfield, they created an overlap that resulted in another score, bringing the game to 10-5.
Undeterred, Midleton responded vigorously, driving deep into the Ballincollig 22. The pack and backline worked tirelessly to break through, and after several close attempts, our captain, Ka, forced her way over the line to score. Kellie successfully converted the try, leaving the halftime score at 12-10 in favor of Midleton.
The second half began with Ballincollig sending a low ball into the Midleton forward pack. As in the first half, both teams contested fiercely at the breakdown, showcasing exceptional tackling skills. Midleton struggled to escape their half, but their outhalf found space on several occasions, only for Ballincollig to counterattack effectively.
Midleton’s lineout performed exceptionally well, with Sophie being lifted by Susie, Ka and Doireann, allowing them to secure possession every time. In the backline, Kellie, Rosa, Emma, Anne, and Brid seized opportunities to attack, executing several slick passing moves.
Ballincollig scored the next try after a series of quick tap penalties, bringing the score to 15-12. The conversion was missed, but they quickly resumed their attack. Midleton defended valiantly, making numerous tackles as Ballincollig advanced toward the line. Despite their efforts, Ballincollig managed to score in the corner, extending their lead to 20-12 with just ten minutes remaining.
Undeterred, Midleton demonstrated their resilience. From the kickoff, a strong chase resulted in a scrum for Midleton. They pursued a score with a series of backline moves and powerful forward carries, pushing into Ballincollig’s 22. Both teams displayed tremendous determination as Ballincollig threw everything they had at the Midleton attackers. Eventually, Ka broke through the defense, scoring her second try and Midleton’s third. Kellie converted the tricky kick, narrowing the gap to just one point at 20-19.
As time wound down, Midleton fought hard, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and determination. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to secure the crucial score. While the outcome wasn’t what they had hoped for, the commitment and effort displayed by every player throughout the match promise that their hard work will pay off in the near future.
