In their first match of the Paul Flood Cup Tournament, the Belvo ladies beat a previously undefeated Portlaoise squad 24 – 0.
The Belvedere women started the match with solid play and intensity from each number, leading to four tries by then end of the first half. Suzanne Furney, playing second row, was the first to cross the line – diving for the try after collecting the ball from the back of a ruck on the five metre mark.
The Belvo pack was strong in the scrum and the defensive line. Ruth McElroy stepped in as number eight and made several key runs throughout the match. Sheena Moore moved from her usual second row position to flanker and continually halted the Portlaoise offensive runs.
In the back line Olive MacDonagh, returning from a three month injury hiatus, made game changing runs and passes as centre, gaining crucial metres and repeatedly setting up the wing for breakaway runs. Two of these plays were converted to tries by winger, Aoife O’Brien.
The most dramatic try of the match came when Elaine Cohalan kicked through the Portlaoise defensive line, caught her own ball on the bounce and powered over the line. Cohalan converted two of the four tries as well.
The Portlaoise squad came back from the half time break strong and held Belvo from their try line for the duration of the match. Their determined pack turned over several Belvo possessions, but they were unable to break through the Belvo defense and remained scoreless.
This win and extra point coupled with a five point allocation from a Navan walkover, puts Belvo in good standing for success in the overall cup competition. The next match will be at home against Portarlington, 1 PM kickoff, Sunday 7 February. Please come support the Belvo ladies.
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