Cooke hosted Blackrock at Shawsbridge this weekend in Round 8 of the Women’s All Ireland League.

The Belfast side took an early lead with a try after ten minutes, Eliza Downey dotting down out wide after some good interchanges between the forwards and backs.

The home side looked to push on and kept possession of the ball well in the first quarter but they couldn’t break down the strong Blackrock defence.

The visitors first points of the game came from a Hannah O’Connor penalty. Blackrock pressed on for the remainder of the half, and were rewarded with a try from Niamh Griffin after good work from the Blackrock pack. O’Connor converted to take the score to Cooke 5 Blackrock 10 at halftime. 

The second half started with Blackrock continuing to push. They used the wind to their advantage, pinning Cooke into their own 22. After turning over one of Cooke’s scrums, quick hands to Michelle Claffey, allowed the centre to use her footwork, and a strong fend, to score under the posts after a 40 meter run. O’Connor converted to extend Blackrock’s lead 17-5.

The momentum stayed with the visitors and after strong carries from O’Connor and Judy Bobbett, Ali Coleman scored an unconverted try out wide from quick hands from their backs.

In the final ten minutes of the game Cooke started to piece their attack again. After a series of penalties Cooke used a quick tap and passed it along the backs to allow youngster Kelly McCormill to score. Vicky Irwin added the extras with the final play of the game.

Final score: Cooke 12 Blackrock 22

Photo credit – Bob Given Photography

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