Development League Success For UCG

The Galbally and UCG women’s teams played in the most atrocious conditions at the Sportsground on Wednesday night, with UCG emerging victorious to take the Connacht Women’s Development League title.

The well-contested game produced the winners on a technicality. Both teams were level at 7-7 after 80 minutes’ play and 20 minutes of extra-time under the refereeing management of Seamus Phillips.

Competition rules stated that in the event of a stalemate after extra-time, whoever scored the first try would be declared the winners, so UCG triumphed on this occasion.

Galbally, who hail from north Munster, showed in their first season of competition that they have an excellent team, full of passion and commitment and UCG crucially brought their experience and skill when it was most needed.

Connacht Branch President Michael Grealish said afterwards: “I am delighted to be here to present the trophy and watch a fine display of rugby.

“I would like to thank Gemma Crowley, the Women’s Rugby Development Officer from Munster, and Wendy Hickey, the Connacht WRDO, for all their work in getting the Development League up and running.

“I would also like to wish Galbally and UCG the best of luck for the 2009/10 season.”

Connacht’s Provincial Domestic Game Manager Martin Gallagher said: “The conditions were awful, both teams certainly came to win.

“I am delighted that Gemma and Wendy have worked together to ensure the ongoing development of women’s rugby in the West and South West and I would like to commend them both for their efforts.

“Women’s rugby will grow in the next few seasons – it is IRFU policy to promote women in rugby and the Irish Sports Council’s policy to promote women in sport.

“I would suggest to girls or women reading this report that they contact their Branch Women’s Development Office within the IRFU for more information.”

Wendy Hickey commented: “UCG and Galbally fought tooth and nail for a win on the night, with conditions worsening as they went into overtime.

“Much credit must be paid to all players and coaches, as they all worked hard all year to get to the final.

“Many thanks to Gemma Crowley who travelled to the Sportsground on the night to support her side and to Michael Grealish who was on hand to present the trophy.”