Mullingar ladies denied by strong-finishing Naas opponents
Mullingar Rugby Club notes
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Susie Burzawa is tackled during the game against Naas.Image 2 of 5
Jodi Aherne on the attack for Mullingar senior ladies against Naas.Image 3 of 5
Emily O’Brien drives forward for Mullingar against Naas.Image 4 of 5
Jodi Aherne gets in for a try against Naas.Image 5 of 5
Meabh O’Hara with a drop out for Mullingar ladies.A thrilling battle for third place in the league saw Naas face Mullingar’s Senior Ladies team on home turf at Shay Murtagh Park. Despite a few players still sidelined due to injury, vice-captain Susie Burzawa stepped up to lead the team. There were further changes to the lineup with Emily O’Brien, Eileen Boyle, and Meabh O’Hara all taking to the field.
The action got underway from the very first kick. Mullingar found themselves quickly pushed back to their 22-meter line, struggling to contain Naas's rapid manoeuvres. Mullingar’s defence held steadily, with crucial tackles from Robyn O’Brien and Abigail Johnston thwarting any immediate threats. Naas would increase their efforts, which resulted in the game’s first try.
Mullingar were quick to respond with some fantastic passing between Jodi Aherne and Emily Flynn, that would see Jodi take Mullingar’s first try. Meabh O’Hara’s conversion would level out the score and the game would be on once again.
Both teams would battle fiercely, making every tackle count. A break for Ciara Wynne would find a coming close to scoring for Mullingar, but Naas's defence managed to scramble back just in time. Naas then capitalised on gaps in Mullingar's defence, scoring two more tries. With the final minutes ticking down in the first half, the Mullingar side would be pinned in their own half until Jodi Aherne found space once again.
Another try for Mullingar and with the half-time whistle sounding, the score stood at Mullingar 14 - Naas 21.
The second half began with heavy rain as the weather turned. Mullingar came out strong, keeping Naas in their own half. Key tackles from Susie Burzawa, Olive Carroll, and Alana O’Connor Norris created space for Ciara Wynne, who seized the opportunity and scored an early try for Mullingar, giving them the lead.
With Mullingar in front, the team held firm, but a quick penalty against Mullingar allowed Naas to respond and reclaim the lead. Naas’s momentum continued, but after several warnings, they were handed a yellow card for dissent.
The game would remain closely matched until the final 10 mins which saw Naas launch another attack. As Mullingar scrambled back, Jodi Aherne denied a try at the touchline.
But Naas found one final breakthrough, scoring the final try. With the final whistle, the game would finish with Mullingar 19 - Naas 33.