Ballincollig Women opened their league campaign on Sunday in a repeat of last seasons opener, with a home clash against Shannon RFC. Having been defeated by Shannon in that meeting by a mere 6 point margin, Ballincollig were keen to open the 2012 Season on a high.

The Limerick side were the first to register the points with a try inside the opening few minutes, which they failed to convert. It wasn’t long before they added a second try to the score board, this conversion going between the posts.

However, Ballincollig were quick to reply from the restart, with Aoife Hurley making a surging break to the 5 metre line. Her efforts to be rewarded when Emily Clery got over the line for the home sides first try of the game. Shannon retaliated with an unconverted try.

In the last play of the half, Christina Broderick charged through the Shannon defence to put a further five points on the board for Ballincollig, with Aoife Hurley adding the extras to leave the half time score 17-12 to the visitors.

Ballincollig started the second half displaying immense intent, with some great rucking resulting in a turn over. Breda Leonard made a burst for the line, only to be stopped short. A five metre scrum set Aoife Hurley up to to score the home sides third try and put the sides level at 17 a piece.

Shannon edged ahead with a 5 point lead scoring their fourth try of the evening. Within minutes, they ran in a fifth try straight from the restart, this one converted. One further converted try just before the whistle saw the Coonagh side take the bonus point win.

It was a dogged display from a home side that featured a number of first time starts and from which, many positives can be taken into next Sunday’s trip to Tom Clifford Park where they will face Young Munster, kick – off 1pm.

Ballincollig Starting XV

15 – Christina Broderick 14 – Eilis Conlon 13 – Ciara Stafford 12 – Mary O’ Driscoll 11 – Linda Kennedy 10 – Aoife Hurley 9 – Davina Fenton 8 – Breda Leonard 7 – Geraldine Gallahue 6 – Tamsin Richards 5 – Roisin Ormond 4 – Jane Burns 3 – Emily Clery 2 – Audrey McSweeney 1 – Claire O’ Connor

Replacements

16 – Lydia Buckley 17 – Grace Coughlan 18 – Stephanie Downey 19 – Grainne Burke 20 – Mary Randles