The ladies from Racoon West joined forces with three players from Connacht rivals Buccaneers on Saturday and the amalgamated side took home the ITA Women’s Open Club Championship title.
In their first game, the Buccaneers – Racoon West amalgamation took on the experienced DLSP side from Dublin. The DLSP ladies played a clever attacking game, shrewdly exploiting some slack defending by BRW to power to a 6-3 victory. Try scorers for BRW were Rita Ibanez (2 ) and Niamh Purtill. It was understandable that the amalgamated side had some teething troubles in their first game together.
In their second game, they faced Greystones Ladies and they finally clicked into gear with a powerful attacking display winning 10-2 with a hat-trick from captain Risa Egerter, a brace each from Buccs’ players Aoife Purtill and Chloe O’Connor and further tries from Georgia Codyre, Emma Horan and Rita Ibanez.
This win qualified BRW for the final and lined up a rematch with DLSP. The Dublin ladies started favourites as they were unbeaten to that point. However, they were never able to get into the game as the westerners dominated the first half leading 2-1 at half-time with scores from Edel Houton and Risa Egerter. BRW continued where they left off in the second half and three further tries from Risa Egerter (2 ) and Emerald House stretched out their lead. A late reply from DLSP left the final score 5-2 to Buccaneers – Racoon West.
Overall, it was a hugely impressive display from the western ladies as they made light work of an experienced and strong team.
Strong running from the likes of Niamh and Aoife Purtill, Georgia Codyre and Laura Gaffney as well as solid defence from Emerald House, Rita Ibanez and Emma Horan were key in fashioning this victory.
Captain Risa Egerter was top scorer with six tries.
Buccaneers – Racoon West Ladies: Aoife Purtill (Buccaneers ), Niamh Purtill (Buccaneers ), Chloe O’Connor (Buccaneers ), Laura Gaffney, Risa Egerter (captain ), Edel Houton, Emma Horan, Georgia Codyre, Emerald House, Rita Ibanez.
