In an historic day, Galway hosted the first women’s Rugby League match in Ireland at South Park, The Claddagh, where the newly-formed Galway Tribeswomen faced the Dublin City Exiles.
Early pressure came from the home side with some strong running by loose forward Louise Kelly, but the Exiles soon launched a counter attack which was finished with a try from centre Stephanie Carroll, and converted by Emma Curren.
The Exiles, with a number of experienced rugby union players in their rank, continued to dominate, and had quickly doubled the score with the same combination of try scorer and kick taker.
The Tribeswomen defended resolutely, with front rowers Elaine Johnson and Tara Leslie putting in some big hits, and for a period of time they were able to hold the line. However, their ranks were breached again and the Exiles registered another score, this time from scrum half Alex McGuinness.
The Galway women constructed quite a few opportunities and came close to scoring with a strong run by winger Julie Floretino, but tough defending by the Dublin team prevented the Tribeswomen from converting any opportunities. The well-polished Exiles began to monopolise more chances and registered another few scores to lead 34-0 at the break, before adding several more tries after the break.
Next up for the Tribeswomen is Athboy in two weeks.
