After witnessing the men’s sensational bonus point win against Cilldara and following the Ladies win last week I was more than a little expectant entering Rosetown.

 

Up in a quiet corner the Ladies gathered surrounded by their adoring fans (i.e. Bridget Doyle minus dog and the Murphy clan, all other supporters appeared to have been distracted by the county final taking place close by).

 

Newbridge started the game with several players out of position and this was the cause of much of the Ladies woes. Barnhall NUIM came to play and after defeating Garda last week they were not to be underestimated. They had a good combination of fast types (bloody NUIM students) accompanied by older heads (bloody Barnhall). This combination soon produced dividends and the disorganised Newbridge defence quickly leaked several tries. This combined with a difference of opinion over the breakdown and the refereeing of it resulted in a frustrated Newbridge team reaching half time 20 odd points down.

 

As has been the case all season the second half saw Newbridge reborn. Management are considering playing 40 minutes prior to kick off to get over this mental block.

As before the elder lemon Laura Coates led the charge but see was assisted by Denise English and Louise Bowes. Injury led to the introduction of Laura Coogan and this was the catalyst for a rapid gear change by Newbridge. Down the hill time and again went Laura leaving a host of Barnhall Ladies in her wake. One 50m break resulted in in another pile of bodies but this time Laura was at the bottom with a twisted knee and had to go off. This did not slacken the Newbridge effort and they were held up short three or four times. Lack of imagination and experience resulted in Newbridge blowing several more opportunities’ and Barnhall eventually lifted the siege and ran out of defence. Newbridge defended well here and after a period of up and down from both teams the game ended.

 

So all square in the second half but Newbridge go down again due to a slow start. This team needs to quickly learn to believe in itself if they hope to go anywhere this season.

Good play by all especially the Coogan sisters (thunder and lighting) and also captain Mary Ashe who was central to most go forward ball in the backline. Special praise for Ger Murphy who broke her cherry and received a yellow card on only her second outing!

 

Next week Newbridge Ladies are away to Wexford.