One of the great advantages of what we do is that at the end of a long day and you are soaked, wind blown and freezing, is that you get to record a match like this and your own little piece of history.

When Malone women go on to win the AIL in the next few years we’ll always be able to say that we were there for their first ever win in the league.

The home side started the game with some intent and a strong run by Anna Stanfield was finished off by Ella Durkan for the opening score. with the game only minutes old.

Malone continued to apply the pressure and minutes later Lauren Maginnes crashed over close to the post for Alexa Grudgings to convert to push the score to 12 – 0.

Galwegians regrouped from the frantic start and spent some time in the Malone half. The pressure eventually told and Dearbhla Canty hit the line after a series of attacks. Nicole Fowley added the extras to take the score to 12 – 7.

However, Malone got back on the attack and Peita McAlister spotted a gap to break through the line for Malone’s third try, Grudgings again converting but Galwegians refused to lie down and Kate Feehan crashed over for the visitors to take the score to 29 – 12. 

Crucially Malone settled their nerves before the break with stalwart Sarah Murphy crashing over for the bonus point try before the break, the teams turning round with Malone defending a 24 – 12 lead.

A try from Neve Jones at the start of the second half, converted by Grudgings, set up the home side to defend a 31 – 12 lead and they understandably took their foot off their attacking intent.

Always a dangerous move, and Galwegians pretty much dominated the final half hour.

However the Malone defence held firm and the visitors were only able to find the line on one more occasion with Fowley crossing for their third.

Final score: Malone 31 Galwegians 17.

Gallery Below

Photo credit – Bob Given Photography and John McMurtry.