Celtic Challenge: Wolfhounds 33 Clovers 7
Stacey Flood scored a try and set up two others as the Wolfhounds began their Celtic Challenge title defence with a 33-7 bonus-point win over the Clovers at Energia Park in Donnybrook on Sunday.
Dual international Flood starred in the reigning champions’ backline, topping off her performance with a closing 72nd-minute try. Ireland prop Linda Djougang’s barnstorming first-half breakaway effort led her to the player-of-the-match honour.
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In the first of two festive derbies, with the teams set to meet again at the UCD Bowl next Saturday, the Clovers were only seven points behind at half-time. However, Neill Alcorn’s Wolfhounds pulled clear to kick off the expanded 10-round competition in impressive fashion.
Coached by Denis Fogarty, the Clovers had the wind advantage but trailed 14-0 inside as many minutes. Ireland Sevens youngster Amy Larn surged over from the left wing, and Djougang’s subsequent score was also converted by Dannah O’Brien.
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Marshalled by Deirbhile Nic a Bháird, the Clovers’ young pack earned a penalty try from a 20th-minute maul which also landed Wolfhounds number eight Erin King in the sin bin.
Despite the likes of Edel McMahon and Amee-Leigh Costigan (formerly Murphy Crowe) coming off the Clovers’ bench, the Wolfhounds enjoyed a winning start thanks to further tries from Eve Higgins (43 minutes), replacement Kelly Burke (67), and classy fullback Flood.
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