Women's Leinster League Division 3
South East Lions 40-17 Kilkenny RFC
The Kilkenny Women put up a valiant effort in their Leinster League clash against the South East Lions on a calm but chilly Sunday in Wexford. The game was a tale of two halves, with Kilkenny dominating early on but ultimately falling to the Lions in a hard-fought contest.
In the opening minutes, both teams battled fiercely for possession, with Kilkenny initially looking stronger. However, a quick break by the South East Lions saw them score the first try of the game, followed by a successful conversion. Kilkenny were soon down to 14 players after a yellow card for penalties, and the Lions took advantage, scoring a second try shortly after.
Despite the setback, Kilkenny showed their strength in the scrums, applying pressure on the opposition. Alice Brennan seized an opportunity, breaking through the Lions’ defense to score Kilkenny’s first try, with Emily Kenny adding the conversion. Kilkenny’s defensive awareness was highlighted when they turned over possession during the Lions’ first line-out, and captain Megan Callahan’s tactical kicks forced the Lions deep into their own half.
A second yellow card for Kilkenny reduced them to 14 players again, but they continued to dominate the scrums. However, another defensive lapse allowed the Lions to score their third try, bringing the score to 21-7. Kilkenny’s determination paid off as they turned over two rucks and scored their second try, narrowing the gap to 21-12 just before halftime. While Kilkenny held an edge in scrums and possession, the Lions capitalized on small gaps in their defense, particularly with fast breaks along the wings.
In the second half, Kilkenny started aggressively, with Emily Kenny leading the charge, but the Lions’ defense held firm on their 5m line. After an extended defensive effort, the Lions broke through for another try, extending their lead as fatigue began to set in for both teams. Alice Brennan’s break was promising, but penalties on both sides disrupted the flow of the game.
Kilkenny’s pack continued to dominate in the scrums, and Lieke Hoban added another try for Kilkenny, though the conversion was narrowly missed. The South East Lions responded with more pressure, and despite Kilkenny’s strong efforts, including an impressive break by Ella Carroll, the Lions pushed further ahead with another try.
A late surge from the Lions, including a final try, sealed the victory with a scoreline of 40-17. Kilkenny dominated the first half, particularly in the scrums, but the Lions took control in the second half, securing the win. Despite the result, Kilkenny showed plenty of promise, especially in their forward play, and will look to build on these strengths in future matches.
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