Dublin University Football Club’s Women (DUFC), Trinity’s women’s rugby team progressed to the final of Division Four of the Leinster League after beating a powerful Portlaoise side 27-18. A strong start and a strong finish proved enough for Trinity, who had to battle throughout the game.
First half tries from Charlotte Bowen and Niamh O’Kelly-Lynch put Trinity in control at the break leading 10-0. After the interval Portlaoise quickly fought their way back into the game to level the game at 10 all. O’Kelly-Lynch restored the Trinity lead before Portlaoise brought things square again at 15-15. Portlaoise then took their first lead of the game with about 10 minutes to go, with a penalty in front of the posts putting them 18-15 ahead. However, Trinity were not to be denied, and centre O’Kelly-Lynch made the all-important breakthrough with just minutes left in the game, completing her hat-trick and putting Trinity back in front at 20-18. A steal at the death by Sijie Tilk made the game safe, and sent Grace Quinlivian in for another try, putting a gloss on the result. O’Kelly-Lynch added the extras and moments later the final whistle had Trinity celebrating wildly.
In the aftermath of the victory, the team were ecstatic. Forward Maura Ford, speaking to The University Times, outlined the significance of the result: “This was the match we’ve been working towards all season. While Portlaoise had the brawn, we definitely brought the heart and every single player showed a lot of grit in taking down their massive forwards’ pack.”
In a strong team performance, Niamh O’Kelly-Lynch scored an outstanding hat-trick, and her kicking game was “integral to our game plan and gave us really good mobility”. Cathy Liney and Bowen were also in fine form, controlling the pace of the game with some assured play.
Ford herself also put in a solid showing, holding up Portlaoise on the try line with a vital intervention when the game was still finely poised. Prop Molly Boyne went toe-to-toe with the Portlaoise pack, putting in massive tackles to provide a base for Trinity to play their game. Forward’s coach Joe Horan, speaking to The University Times in person after the game, said: “It was the best performance by the team in the Leinster League this season. The girls showed super determination and desire to win. Hopefully we can take that into the final.”
The final of the League will take place on March 4th at 12pm in Donnybrook Stadium against Wanderers. Trinity will be looking to avenge the two defeats they have been dealt by the league leaders this season, and will be taking their best form into the game with them.
