THERE was no stopping West Cork as they ran in eight tries to capture the regional Zara Horan Trophy title with an emphatic 46–12 victory over North Munster at Virgin Media Park.
In just the second season of this competition, newcomers West Cork – an amalgamation of clubs from across the region – underlined the strength of local rugby with a powerful all-round display.
The Zara Horan Trophy, a regional-based U18.5 competition, was introduced to further support the growth of the women’s player development pathway, and this latest success highlights the depth of talent currently emerging in West Cork.
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West Cork's Jo McCaughey take this kick. (Photo: Bryan Keane/INPHO)
En route to the final, West Cork played three matches – beating South Munster twice but losing narrowly to North Munster (32–29) in early December. They gained their revenge in style on Sunday.
Full-back Seren Lehane (Bantry Bay RFC) raced in for two early tries, with out-half Jo McCaughey (Clonakilty RFC) adding the extras. Powerful number eight Sadhbh Brennan, also of Bantry Bay, then crashed over for two more tries. Captain Clodagh McCarthy of Clonakilty RFC got in on the scoring act before the break as West Cork led 29–0 at half-time.
West Cork's Alice O'Donovan on her way to scoring a try. (Photo: Bryan Keane/INPHO)
Inside centre Alice O’Donovan (Bantry Bay RFC) added an intercept try early in the second half, with McCaughey again on target from the tee. There was more to come as Keelin McCarthy (Clonakilty RFC) and Dunmanway’s Richelle Kingston both crossed for further tries.
North Munster never gave up and added two late tries, but the Zara Horan Trophy was heading to West Cork for the first time as the regional side made a major impact in their debut season in the development competition.
West Cork: Seren Lehane; Elsa Quirke, Clodagh McCarthy, Alice O’Donovan, Keelin McCarthy; Jo McCaughey, Julie Finn; Cliona Hurley, Ciara O’Driscoll, Julie Cunningham; Leona Arra, Taylor Hurley; Amie Milne, Eve Minihane; Sadhbh Brennan.
Replacements: Richelle Kingston, Maya McMahon, Lucy Donaldson, Belle Coughlan, Alice Collins, Sofia Harrop, Shona Fleming, Lani O’Donovan.
