Conditions in Alcast Park were far from ideal for rugby with a strong ‘yellow warning’ wind blowing. The South East Lions were playing Edenderry who they lay joint top of the table with coming into the game.

The South East Lions spent the first 10 minutes in the Edenderry half and were unlucky not to come away with a score. Edenderry got the first spoils of the day when they touched down over the line. Kicking with the wind the conversion came back off the upright and left them 5-0 up. Their number 5 saw 10 minutes in the bin after the referee gave her yellow. Edenderry didn’t give up while down to 14 players and went in at the break 17-0.

The Lions came out fighting hard in the second half. They responded quickly to an early Edenderry try with a try of their own. Molly O’Gorman’s speed was too much for the Edenderry defence and she touched down for the Lion’s first try of the day. Edenderry got their fifth and final try of the day. 

Twins, Roisín Dempsey and Niamh Dempsey were great substitutions as both scored tries to reduce the gap, along with a Molly O’Gorman conversion. The final score in Alcast Park 29-19 to Edenderry. Hooker, Melissa Quirke, was awarded player of the match for her fantastic performance. 

A physical game, played in tough conditions, sees the Lions now sit third in the league behind Edenderry and Ashbourne. With a break next weekend, the Lions next game is away to Ashbourne in Carbury on 27th October. 

Team: Aoife Dempsey, Melissa Quirke, Taylor Kinnard, Rachel Dempsey, Thyla Clare O’Neill, Sinéad Barron, Seana Kane ©, Sarah Doyle, Clodagh Dee (conversion), Flora Doran, Ellyssa San Agustin, Caoimhe Reville, Lilly Sidney, Molly O’Gorman (try, conversion), Megan Dee.

Replacements: Amelia Morycka, Josie Lonergan, Aisling Evans, Ev Fenlon, Roisín Dempsey (try), Niamh Dempsey (try), Chloe McGrath, Holly Kelly, Kieva Hynes, Caitlin Benson.