Dolphin Senior Women V Bantry Bay.
By Aoife O’ Callaghan
On a sun soaked Sunday in the West Cork townland of Bantry, Dolphin Women’s Senior team lined out for their next round of league action against home side Bantry Bay. Once again lining out with their 10 strong panel the city side were ready to bring the fight to this West Cork side after losing their opener against Ballincollig the previous week.
Five minutes in to the first half Dolphin’s streak of bad luck continued as 10 became 9 due to an injury sustained by winger Alannah Hynes. But these ladies never let their heads drop as they defensively held Bantry off scoring for most of the first half.
The first score attempt came from a great line break by Megan Hamblin who then quickly popped the ball out to out-half Niamh Cronin. An unfortunate knock on from Cronin saw possession returned back to the home side.
Just before the half-time whistle blew after being held up countless times in Dolphin’s 22, Bantry crashed over the line to score their first try of the game. Unable to complete the conversion the sides ran in 5-0.
Returning back to the field for the second half Dolphin were once again on the backfoot as their numbers reduced once more as they lost out-half Niamh Cronin to injury.
But these women took this in their stride and put on a show in defence as they held up numerous Bantry try attempts. A breakaway try eventually ensued for the home side bringing the score line to 10-0 with just minutes remaining.
Then in the penultimate minutes of game time Megan Hamblin made history as she crashed over for Dolphin’s first ever try in a senior women’s game.
The final whistle soon sounded and saw the West Cork natives take the win 10-5. It was an amazing effort put in by a Dolphin side that are only growing stronger and stronger with each game.
Speaking after the match captain Christine O’ Keeffe commended the display put on by her teammates. She said, “Everyone did their best until the very end it was a tough match and I think we played amazing considering how little we had.
“Everyone gave 100% and it really was amazing to see.”
Kerry is the next team to take on the Dolphin ladies as they begin their Munster Senior Cup campaign on October 17th in Musgrave Park. We hope to see you there!