The UL Bohs Women's Squad 2007/8 with Manager-for-Life Jason Enright, and trainee coaches Ed Torrie and Gary Walsh.

Above: Patrique and Lynn ask Nicole for the ball

The referee signals a try for Patrique Kelly in the game against Clonmel

Women's All Ireland League semi-final
UL Bohemians 33 Clonmel 12
Annacotty

An icy wind blew the length of the pitch and made handling difficult in this game. Clonmel had the wind advantage in the first half, but it was still the home side which was first off the mark, when Lynn Cantwell dashed over for a try out on the right wing. The conversion attempt by Nicole Fitzgerald was well struck, but held up by the wind it rebounded off the cross bar. The large Clonmel pack began to take charge, and using the wind to good effect, they camped in the UL Bohs half. The outhalf then used strength and speed to create space and touched down for a very good try beside the posts. Shortly after, following a series of drives up to the UL Bohs line which sucked in the defence, the outhalf put in a clever cross kick to give the right winger a well worked try. The conversion attempt just went wide, but 12-5 was a good result as half time approached. However, some splendid mauling by the home pack opened up a gap and when Patrique Kelly got the ball she surged through to score between the posts. The conversion by Nicole Fitzgerald brought the half to a halt with the sides level. After the break, UL Bohs still tried to play a running game, but the strong wind made long passing risky, and the Clonmel pack continued to apply pressure in the tight. Finally Lynn Cantwell got some space and despite some brave attempts to tackle her, she shrugged herself free and scored behind the posts. UL Bohs had brought on Sarah Jane Belton at this stage, and the Irish captain made her class show with some excellent clearances before turning on the speed to cross for two tries. Nicole Fitzgerald converted all three second half tries.
Clonmel tried valiantly, and only excellent last ditch defence kept the line intact. However, the improvement in women's rugby is evident from the display of these two well coached teams.
UL Bohs scorers: Tries: Lynn Cantwell (2), Patrique Kelly, Sarah Jane Belton (2). Conversions: Nicole Fitzgerald (4)