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Women’s All-Ireland League Finals Preview

Women’s All-Ireland League Finals Preview

The Women’s All-Ireland League Division 1 final takes place under the Donnybrook floodlights on Saturday as defending champions Old Belvedere face Dublin rivals Blackrock.

WOMEN’S ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE FINALS: Saturday, December 13

DIVISION 1 FINAL –

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Old Belvedere v Blackrock, Donnybrook, 5pm

DIVISION 2 FINAL –

Carlow v Cooke, Donnybrook back pitch, 1pm

Old Belvedere have been imperious, the only blot on their unbeaten league run was a draw with Galwegians. They knocked out the once unbeatable UL Bohemians 29-0 in last week’s semi final.
 
Blackrock have also had a strong season with New Zealand-born Irish international Tania Rosser, who can play at both out half and scrum half, in flying form.
 
The Stradbrook side’s only losses came away to Saturday’s opponents and Galwegians, who they then beat 17-7 in the last-four to reach the decider.
 
The last time the two sides met was in the fourth round of competition at Anglesea Road. The first half was a cagey affair with the only score coming from the boot of Old Belvedere’s international out half Nora Stapleton.

However, in the second half Blackrock crumbled as Old Belvedere scored four tries. The final score was 39-0 to the ‘Belvo girls.
 
Blackrock will be keen to atone for their poorest 40 minutes of the season. Their lethal back-line, as well as Rosser, includes Ireland international Vikki McGinn at full-back, Ladies Gaelic football All-Star Claire Egan on the wing and the impressive goal-kicking centre Jeamie Deacon.
 
Old Belvedere boast serious forward power such as international prop Ailis Egan and explosive ball carrying second row Emma Dunne, as well as electric backs such as wing Janice Daly.
 
The Women’s Division 2 final between Carlow and Cooke kicks off on the Donnybrook back pitch at 1pm. It is followed by the British & Irish Cup game between Leinster ‘A’ and Plymouth Albion (2pm) and then the Women’s Division 1 final (5pm). Three matches for the price of one before you head to the Aviva Stadium for Champions Cup fare!