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Youghal-5     Shannon-15 Women's AIL
Youghal V Shannon c
Youghal V Shannon d
Youghal V Shannon b

The Youghal Women’s XV played host to a Shannon team that have been putting in some very impressive performances this year, on Sunday 16^th January following the Christmas break. Youghal started off with a degree of uncertainty and were penalised within the range of Shannon’s out half who slotted it over with ease. This gave the visitors the confidence to try to drive home their early dominance and they launched a series of attacks which dragged the home defence around the field, creating the gaps that eventually led to the opening try of the game. Youghal didn’t lie down, but they were having difficulty retaining possession and position and as a result were always under pressure.  The Shannon defence was calm and organised and were able to snuff out all threats to their try line.  With the visitors comfortably on top a clever break by their outhalf completely wrong footed the defence and she was able to outpace the cover to touch down under the posts for her sides second try.  The conversion made the half time score, Youghal-0, Shannon-15.

As the second half kicked off the home team had it all to do and what is certain is that there is no shortage of heart among this group and there was never any fear that their heads would drop. The rucks and mauls were contested with more vigour and soon it was clear that they were matching their opponents physically up front. Kate Sheehan, who continues to impress with every outing was giving a display of attacking fullback play that was breathtaking. Her timing and lines of running were causing jitters in the Shannon defence on every attack. It was no wonder that one of these runs yielded up the try of the match as she weaved her way through a forest of defenders before crossing for the line. Kate might have deserved “player of the match” for her efforts in this second half but to be fair to her team mates, the difference was that they were now winning enough ball to give her the opportunity to shine. Youghal continued to have the upper hand but Shannon are a seriously good team and they were only ever going to be beaten over 80 minutes. The final score Youghal-5, Shannon-15.

            Plenty of rugby action this weekend startin on saturday  with two very attractive under age fixtures at Frogmore. At 11 AM the U 15's take on Fermoy and at 12, noon the U18's have a tough assignment when they take on Cork Constitution.
            On Sunday the First XV are away to Newport in the Junior League and will be hoping for a continuation of their recent excellent form. Meanwhile, at home, on Sunday, there are two games scheduled, with the Second XV taking on Crosshaven in the Mick Barry Cup at 12 noon and the Women's XV have a Munster Women's Cup fixture against Ballincollig.
            Why not come along on either, or both days, as there is sure to be plenty of excitement on the field of play.