AIL Ladies Cup: Cooke 3 Bohemians 8

Sunday 14th March. Report and pictures by John McMurtry.

Cooke Ladies bowed out of this seasons AIL Ladies Cup with a narrow 3 – 8 defeat by Bohemians Ladies at Shaws Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Playing with a strong breeze behind them Cooke dominated the opening skirmishes keeping the visitors pinned in their own half but despite their best efforts, and  thanks to a well organised Bohemians defence,  the Belfast side failed to force their way over the line.

A single penalty was scant reward for Cooke’s territorial advantage, but with the Belfast pack dominating the breakdown they turned round at the break with a degree of confidence.

AIL Ladies Cup. Cooke v Bohemians pictures.

Cooke started the second half well but Bohemians managed to soak up the pressure and eventually forced their way down field. After a strong run by the Munster side’s outside centre, and quick hands from their scrum half, the Bohemians wing, Aisling Hutchings, found herself in space and was able to touch down in the corner for a decisive try.

Bohemians were definitely buoyed by their score and with their scrum half controlling the game they proceeded to dominate the next twenty minutes, controlling territory and breaking well with a well executed  kick and chase game.

Bohemians went further ahead with a penalty with about ten minutes to go and Cooke raised their game for one last effort.

Despite some strong runs from Cooke’s out half and centres they were unable to break down the Bohemian defence and the game finished with the Munster side winning 3 – 8.