Kilkenny Ladies claim big win away on return to league action

After a well-deserved Christmas break, the Kilkenny Women travelled to Enniscorthy last weekend to take on the South East Lions. With this being the second meeting between the sides in this season’s Leinster League, it was always going to be a tough contest.

The Lions struck first, spotting a gap in the Kilkenny defensive line to cross for the opening try, making it 5–0.

Kilkenny responded immediately, battering away at the Lions’ line and coming agonisingly close a number of times, only to be held up short. The pressure eventually told, and Caroline Quirke powered over for a well-earned try, converted by Emily Kenny to put Kilkenny ahead 7–5.

Kilkenny were then reduced to 14 players following a yellow card. Despite being a player down, Kilkenny continued to apply pressure, particularly at scrum time where they made things look comfortable for the travelling support.

Emily Kenny was in flying form throughout, clearly enjoying being back on the pitch, and produced a fantastic block-down from a Lions kick.

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The Lions secured their second try to regain the lead at 10–7, but Kilkenny weren’t backing off. Kelley Comerford was outstanding, resetting quickly and making a huge carry down the pitch, shrugging off multiple defenders and gaining massive ground for her side.

Her defensive work-rate was just as impressive, putting in a series of powerful tackles as Kilkenny held a strong, organised defensive line.

The second half opened at a higher pace and from a Lions lineout, Mosse again caused problems, while Brennan’s tackle prevented the Lions from shifting the ball wide. Jenny Kirwan spotted space and backed herself to score a superb try, converted by Emily Kenny to swing the scoreboard to 14–10 in Kilkenny’s favour.

Kilkenny continued to push, with Megan Callahan sending a penalty kick deep, and Mags Irish collecting the return kick with real composure. Kate Galvin carried strongly all game, making hard yards and fending off defenders with some seriously unforgiving hand-offs.

The Lions won a scrum penalty and used the resulting possession well, crossing for another try to edge back ahead, 17–14.

Kilkenny responded immediately again, with Comerford finishing a huge team effort and driving over to put Kilkenny back in front, 19–17.

With the game in the balance, Kilkenny’s defence stood tall, with superb tackles from Evan Cronin and Rosa Phelan halting the Lions’ progress. Kilkenny then produced a well-executed new play, and Emily Kenny crossed for the decisive score, adding the conversion to seal a brilliant 24–17 win.

A fantastic performance and result for the Kilkenny Women, who now look ahead to their next fixture on the Sunday, when they welcome long-standing rivals Navan to Kilkenny.