Falcons go down to strong Barnhall

In a game of two halves Barnhall took an early lead and despite a spirited fight back from the PortDara Falcons they fell the wrong side of the scoresheet.

Barnhall came out firing and their well drilled pack made constants gains into the PortDara defensive line crossing early in the game for the first score which was converted for a 7-0 lead. The Falcons forays into Barnhall territory were infrequent and were pinned back by excellent tactical kicking by the opposition out half and with strong line out and scrum the ball appeared to be in Barnhall hands for the majority of the time. The PortDara team were tackling everything that was thrown at them but found it difficult to combat the strong one out runners of the girls in blue and Barnhall soon picked up another try under the posts to go 14-0 up after as many minutes. The pattern of the game continued as such with the PortDara reserves being called into play early in the game as key players picked up injuries. The Falcons were starting to come more into the game now making some gains with their backs and strong running by the forwards but Barnhall were still a treat and went over for a third & forth try, one of which was converted to have a 26-0 lead and it was looking ominous for the Falcons.

The scoreline did not reflect the effort being put in by the Falcons and they were unlucky to go in at half time without a score on the board as they were held up on the line on more than one occasion in the final minutes of the half. Not much needed to be said at half time as Cassie and Jordan gave the advice - keep at it, knock them back in the tackle and the space will come. And this it did ... the PortDara team had a determination in them for the second half and they fronted up to Barnhall all over the pitch, they won turn overs and the backs were starting to make gains. The pressure told as the Falcons picked up a loose ball from determined tackling and ran clear for a try under the posts which was converted to bring the score to 26-7. Another injury in the pack meant the game was restricted to uncontested scrums as the Falcons only had 1 reserve forward on the bench but the team gelled together for an excellent performance and were much the better side in the second half. Barnhall made some breaks but the tackling was top class and the Falcons line stayed intact, this defensive effort inspired the visitors and they made great inroads with slick handling between backs and forwards. The constant effort was rewarded with a late try which went unconverted for a final score of 26-12.

Lessons were learned and the Falcons will have gained much more confidence from that game - they know what they can do and they will be a fore in the league this year. Next game is home to Mullingar in two weeks time - lets get out and support the girls.