Kilkenny: 29
Carlow: 0
Kilkenny ladies’ rugby team had another victory at the weekend, keeping their spot on the top of the table while also achieving a bonus point.
Carlow were the opposition, and Kilkenny got off to a roaring start – steamrolling over the line from a penalty early on. Captain Yvonne Hickey heaved her way through the melee to get across the line in the corner.
The remainder of the first half was dogged with both sides vying for territory. Kilkenny found it difficult to find their zone, with players playing well individually, but not forming together as a team.
However they had still managed to keep Carlow scoreless by half time.
Kilkenny came out a different team in the second half. They began to play their own game, and controlled the flow for the entire half.
Quick hands from the backs put winger Bridie Stakelum through for an excellent try, bringing the score to 10-0.
From there, Kilkenny showed huge improvement in their rucking, managing to steal ball from Carlow on several occasions, while also protecting their own possession well at the breakdown.
Kilkenny powered over the line three more times in the second half, with Jane O’Neill skipping through several tackles to score the third try, which was then expertly converted by Jasmine Hastie.
The try of the game came from Brona Kelly, as she robbed the ball from the Carlow side and sprinted home from the halfway line. Hastie sent the ball over the bar to bring the score to 24-0. Kate Anderson also touched to bring the final score to 29-0.
Kilkenny Ladies remain on the top of the league with this victory over Carlow. Victory was imperative for their quest in winning the league title.
With four games left, Kilkenny must maintain this winning streak. Their next game will be Sunday October 23 at home against the Tallaght Ladies, and all support is greatly appreciated.
