Ireland just failed to snatch a victory in this hard fought match at Ashbourne RFC on Friday night with the French holding on to win this bruising encounter 12 -14.
The French side came out strongly in the first half putting the hosts under immediate pressure. Ireland coped well in defence with some excellent counter rucking but struggled to make use of turnover ball often kicking away aimlessly. The French looked sharper on the ball with full back Caroline Ladagnous looking particularly dangerous but despite the visitors coming close on a couple of occasions Ireland managed to restrict them to two penalties, through Sandrine Agricole, during the opening quarter.
Ireland eventually got a break on the 21st minute when the ball from a turnover was cleared by Niamh Briggs. Ireland’s centre, Lynne Cantwell, showed great determination outstripping the defence to get a foot to the ball, knocking it clear for the onrushing Niamh Kavanagh to kick into the goal area and beat the despairing defender to the touch down out . . .
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