In a thrilling encounter the under 16 Mullingar girls rugby team faced off against Wicklow in the Leinster Cup Semi Final, that showcased the future of women's rugby, the U-16 girls' teams from Mullingar and Wicklow clashed in a match that was as much about passion and determination as it was about skill and strategy.

The Mullingar forwards, led by the dynamic team captain Muireann Foy, set the tone early with her aggressive play. Cait Clerk and Keela Nolan provided solid support, ensuring clean ball for their backs. Orlagh O'Brien and Eabha O'Mahony displayed exceptional work rate with some crucial tackles by  Millie Corrigan, Alannah Buckley, and Ruby Kelly

The backs, with Ava Cosgrave at scrum-half, distributed the ball skilfully, setting up Grainne Cleary to orchestrate the plays at fly-half. Jayne Charles and Orla Rijksen formed a formidable centre pairing, with Orla Rijksen's defensive prowess complementing Jayne Charles attacking flair. Wingers Caitlin Bastic and Caoimhe O'Mahony were a constant threat on the flanks, while full-back Emma Wiseman's counter-attacking runs kept the opposition on their toes.

The finishers, including Eimear Doonan and Charlotte Butler-Clyne, brought fresh energy to the field, maintaining the team's momentum. Katie McGrath's power and Hanorah Glennon's strength added depth to the team's play. Katie Matthews, Hannah Andrews, Aoife Murphy and Ava Cooney, all played their part with Aoibhinn Lynch and Cliona McGinley supporting from bench, ensuring that Mullingar's performance was a true team effort.

The game started off with a bang as Jayne Charles scored the first try within 3 minutes, demonstrating her agility and speed. The conversion by Orla Rijksen added to the momentum, putting Mullingar ahead 7-0.

Despite a strong defence, Wicklow managed to score a try and conversion, levelling the score at 7-7.

Grainne Cleary then made an excellent relieving kick just outside the 22 at the 10-minute mark. This was followed by a fantastic try by Orla Rijksen, assisted by Orlagh O’Brien and Grainne Cleary, with support by Caoimhe O’Mahony. This brought the score to 12-7.

The first half saw more action with an intercept try by Grainne Cleary at 22 minutes, bringing the score to 19-7. A great dummy by Grainne, a slick pass to Orla, and an inside step to score under the posts by Jayne Charles led to another conversion by Orla Rijksen, bringing the score to 26-7.

The second half started with a great run by Muireann Foy and an inside pass to Eabha O’Mahony, who was tackled just short of the line. A scrum inside the 22 led to a great try by Caitlín Bastic at 34 minutes, with a conversion by Gráinne Cleary, bringing the score to 33-7.

Keela Nolan made a great run through the middle into the 22, setting up a rook clean ball for Muireann Foy. Despite a pause in play due injuries on Eimear Doonan and Charlotte Butler-Clyne, which led to substitutions, the team kept their momentum.

The rain made the ball slippery, but that didn’t stop Jayne Charles from making a great move for a try at 43 minutes. With a conversion by Grainne Cleary, the score was brought to 40-7.

The last few minutes saw a flurry of substitutions and some fantastic plays, including a great tackle by Ava Cosgrave at 45 minutes, a fantastic run by Caitlín into the 22, and a great try-saving tackle by Cait Clerk on the line, resulting in a Mullingar penalty.

Despite a last-ditch try by Wicklow, the final score stood at 40-14 in favour of Mullingar. It was a well-fought match, and every player on the Mullingar team contributed to this victory. Their skill, teamwork, and determination were truly commendable. The match was a close-fought affair, with both teams displaying great sports(women)ship and teamwork. In the end, Mullingar's cohesive unit and strategic substitutions proved decisive, earning them a well-deserved victory. The future of rugby is bright with these young athletes at the helm, and this match will be remembered for the spirit and talent displayed on the field.

A special thanks goes out to all the supporters who cheered on the girls, the encouragement and enthusiasm was great to see. We look forward seeing everyone at the upcoming finals. What an achievement!!

Of course none of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of our dedicated coaches. A big thanks to Mark, Willie, Lenny, Sonja and Paula. 

More Photo's : https://photos.app.goo.gl/XBGWRDQzoMJd9Yac8 Photo Credit MRFC 

Team:

1. Alannah Buckley, 2. Cait Clerk, 3. Keela Nolan, 4. Orlagh O’Brien, 5. Ruby Kelly, 6, Millie Corrigan, 7. Muireann Foy, 8. Eabha O'Mahony, 9. Ava Cosgrave, 10. Grainne Cleary, 11. Caitlin Bastic, 12. Orla Rijksen, 13. Jayne Charles, 14. Caoimhe O'Mahony, Emma Wiseman, 16. Eimear Doonan, 17. Charlotte Butler-Clyne, 18. Katie McGrath, 19. Hanorah Glennon, 20. Katie Matthews, 21. Hannah Andrews, 22. Aoife murphy, 23. Ava Cooney. (Aoibhinn Lynch, Cliona McGinley)