Conditions were tough as the sun beat down on the astro, and Westport were without a bench for support against a full 23 woman home team panel. 

Despite this, Westport showed great strength and were toe to toe with Creggs on the scoreboard for most of the 1st half. Creggs were the first to cross the line, however it didn’t take long for Aine O’Connor to find space and run into the corner. 

Creggs were quick to retaliate but Westport struck back nearly instantly, with Ursula Sammon breaking through the Creggs defence and making an impressive run with plenty of opposition players barely on her heels. 

After only another few minutes, Aine O’Connor crossed the line once more, and it was a 1 point game, with Westport carrying the momentum. 

Before half time, Creggs went out in front with their 3rd converted try.

In the 2nd half, both teams were at 4 tries a piece at one stage after Ursula made a nearly identical break away to her 1st try, with only conversions making the difference. However the benefits of having a full bench became clear and the opposition pulled away, scoring 2 more tries to seal the deal. 

A promising start to the league despite the loss, all 15 players showed great resilience for the full 80mins. Congratulations to Ailíse Marley on her first game for Westport, alongside her sister Shauna in the front row! 

Next game is away to Tuam, in 2 weeks. 

1. Shauna Marley 
2. Jessie Troy
3. Ailíse Marley
4. Rita Coyne
5. Aisling Calvey
6. Sorcha Ní Tarpaigh
7. Darwyn O’Halloran
8. Erika Pollington
9. Muireann Cawley (C)
10. Aisling Browne
11. Aoibheann Chambers
12. Virginia Conway
13. Ursula Sammon
14. Kayla Conway 
15. Aine O’Connor