Galwegians fall at final hurdle

Galwegians 0

Suttonians 26

Galwegians failed to get their hands on the All-Ireland League Conference trophy as they were overcome by Suttonians on a score of 26-0.

Despite a bright start, Galwegians were pressed back by Suttonians, with out-half Nicole Carroll in particular putting on an impressive display.

She had an influential role in a lot of Suttonians’ best plays and laid on assists for tries for Emily McKeown in the 17^th minute, and again for Lauren Farrell McCabe in the 36^th minute.

Although the tries went unconverted, a penalty from Carroll saw the north Dublin side head in at half time with a 13-0 lead.

Galwegians rallied in the second half but were suffocated efficiently by the Suttonians as they struggled to gain any kind of territory. A loose kick was capitalised on by Kate Farrell McCabe of Suttonians, and a rapid counterattack saw McKeown going over for her second try of the match.

‘Wegians were dealt a hammer blow in the 60^th minute, as captain Mairéad Coyne picked up a yellow card and was sent to the sin bin, after she caught Molly Fitzgerald with a high tackle.

Suttonians were able to make their numerical advantage count, as Carroll took her game to another level in the closing stages. She slotted another penalty over in the 67^th minute, and was heavily involved in a spectacular team move for the fourth and final try.

An intricate move down the right saw Jessica Kelleher and substitute Catherine Martin combining to work the ball back to Carroll. Her clever offload found Martin, who sidestepped her way out of danger and ran ahead to touch down, capping a comprehensive win for Suttonians, and sealing their unbeaten All-Ireland League Conference run.

Suttonians scorers:

Tries: Emily McKeown (2), Lauren Farrell McCabe, Catherine Martin

Pens: Nicole Carroll (2)

SUTTONIANS: Kate Farrell McCabe; Molly Fitzgerald, Jessica Kelleher, Catherine Martin, Emily McKeown; Nicole Carroll, Lauren Farrell McCabe (capt); Katie Grant Duggan, Julia O’Connor, Mary Healy, Brenda Barr, Aislinn Layde, Louise Catinot, Carrie O’Keeffe, Ciara Farrell.

Replacements: Aoife Brennan, Julia Bauer, Katie Reel, Grainne Tummon, Lena Kibler, Meabh Donohoe, Soneva Scott.

GALWEGIANS: Mairéad Coyne (capt); Saskia Morrissey, Ursula Sammon, Orla Dixon, Rhiann Heery; Nicole Fowley, Darwyn O’Halloran; Elizabeth McNicholas, Nolwenn Dubois, Jessica Loftus, Fiona Scally, Niamh O’Grady, Grace Browne Moran, Lisa-Marie Murphy, Dearbhla Canty.

Replacements: Tracy Lawlor, Hannah Coen, Ellen Connolly, Faith Oviawe, Ann Marie Herward, Laoise McGonagle, Emma Keane, Sarah O’Connell.

Referee: Katie Byrne (IRFU).

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