Rugby – North Leinster U/14 Girls League
Portlaoise RFC U/14 girls team who moved top of the North Leinster League table with the defeat of Roscrea Ravens
Roscrea Ravens 12
Portlaoise 32
PORTLAOISE U/14 girls were back on the road on Saturday morning with the aim to move clear at the top of the North Leinster League. With numerous injuries and sickness, it was a real chance for Portlaoise to show their strength in the panel.
Captain Elisha Gilligan got proceedings underway and Portlaoise immediately applied the pressure on the Ravens inside their 22 for the opening six minutes of the half. The pressure was to pay off immediately when Elisha Gilligan powered her way over for the first try of the game.
Constant pressure from Portlaoise would pay off minutes late, strong carries from Daisy Whitten and Erin Powell would put Portlaoise in the scoring zone again. Lilly Brophy would beat two Ravens this time and score Portlaoise’s second try of the day.
The impressive level of tackling from every single Portlaoise player would be the key again to this teams remarkable run. Saffron Adams and Amy Peters would be preventing Ravens from making any inroads towards the Portlaoise try line. Quick ball from Emily Harvey would have Portlaoise bearing down on the Ravens again. Good running from Ella Phelan would set up Elisha Gilligan for her second try of the day and Portlaoise. Portlaoise would lead at half time 15-0
The Ravens would begin the second half with more intent than the first. Strong running from their full back would see her beat several tackles for an impressive try.
Portlaoise had to pull their socks up and that they did. Strong running again from Rachael Connolly Ferguson would see her pass to Molly jane Dempsey who despite close attention from the Ravens would cross the line into the corner for Portlaoise’s fourth try of the day.
Portlaoise would again carry with great intent lead by Chloe Kavanagh and Jessica Delaney. A pick and go from Freya Stanley would see her rip through the Ravens defence for a wonderful try. This try was converted by Molly Jane Dempsey. The Ravens would respond with a quick try of the own.
Abbie Delaney and Tara Peavoy were now starting to cause the Ravens more problems. Emma Heffernan and Rachael Hovendon would lead Portlaoise again into the Ravens 22. Quick ball from Molly Fitzpatrick to Kate Ging would see Freya Stanley cross the line for her second try of the day. The final whistle would blow soon after and another impressive display would see Portlaoise move clear at the top of the League.
PORTLAOISE PANEL: Jessica Delaney, Erin Powell, Daisy Whitten, Amy Peters, Rachel Connolly Ferguson, Chloe Kavanagh, Molly Kelly, Lilly Brophy, Molly Jane Dempsey, Elisha Gilligan, Saffron Adams, Mary O’Hara, Freya Stanley, Kate Ging, Keelin O’Brien Crossland, Emily Harvey, Molly Fitzpatrick, Abbie Delaney, Aoibheann Conroy, Tara Peavoy, Rachel Hovenden, Ella Sherlock, Emma Heffernan, Faye Scully, Ruby Maunsell, Orlaith Costigan, Louise Hyland, Ellie Mahoney, Ruby Coyle, Grace Pearson, Rosa Conroy, Ciara Cuddy, Emma Fitzpatrick, Eve Thompson.
