Mullingar Rugby Club's senior women marked an impressive start to 2024 with a resounding 32-12 victory over Old Belvedere on Sunday, 28th of January. Falling short against the experienced team earlier in the season, the woman were out for vegence. The match, a true display of skill and teamwork, saw Mullingar overcoming a challenging opponent with a remarkable performance.

Despite the formidable challenge posed by Old Belvedere, Mullingar's team showed exceptional resilience and focus. The first half was tightly contested, with both teams displaying great skill and determination. The supporters had to wait until the second quarter for a score, O’Sullivan skilfully converted Mullingar’s penalty. Within five minutes Belvo made a break down the wing and got over the line, lucky for the home side this was unconverted. The introduction of C O’Brien and Burke for an injured Young and Scanlon brought fresh legs ahead of the break. A penalty came from solid carries from Wynne and Mulcahy. A quick tap and go and a line break from Burzawa resulted in O’Sullivan going over just left of the posts which she then converted. Belvo wanted one of their own before the half time whistle, and got a lucky break from a loose pass. Dominant tackles from Norris and Byrne and carries from pack, gave the girls their advantage. However, the half time score 10-12 to the opposition, didn't fully capture the play, where Mullingar had the upper hand.

As the match progressed into the second half, the weather conditions worsened, turning the pitch quite wet. Undeterred, Mullingar demonstrated their adaptability and discipline. The introduction of E O’Brien after a lengthy injury and Nolan at half time gave the girls a boost to drive on. They effectively converted their defensive strength into offensive opportunities, leading to a series of well-executed tries and conversions. Burke spotting a gap off a ruck backed herself and went over for her first of the day. She then followed up not long after with another following a line break to add to her tally.  Fresh legs of Doonan and Flynn gave a break to the Heifers who had put everything into it. Strategic gameplay allowed Mullingar to gradually pull away, securing a substantial lead over Old Belvedere. O’Sullivan converted another penalty to widen the gap. The return of Scanlon and the addition of Lyons came at the right time to give Burke and O’Brien a well deserved break. The final try of the game came from captain Wynne between the posts. The home team worked tirelessly to keep the opposition scoreless in the second half. 

The supporters at the club, braving the wet weather to cheer on their team played a crucial role in the team's stellar performance.

The final score of 32-12 is a testament to Mullingar's hard work, dedication, and team spirit. The players' joy at this victory was evident, and they are already looking forward to their next match, against Tullamore next weekend and are keen to maintain this winning momentum.

This commanding win sets a positive and ambitious tone for Mullingar's season, with players returning from injury, the senior women's team are poised to continue this high level of performance in their upcoming matches.

Team 

Tasha Feery, Anna Scanlon, Sinead Gallagher, Susie Burzawa,Eve Byrne, Sophie Treanor, Georgia Young, Kara Mulcahy, Robyn O’Brien, Ellie O’Sullivan, Evie Daly, Ciara Foxe, Alana Norris,Charlotte Blackweir, Ciara Wynne, Sinead Lyons, Tamara Nolan, Kelly Burke, Emily O’Brien, Clodagh O’Brien, Aoife Doonan, Judy Dowling, Emily Flynn