#EnergiaAIL Women’s Division Semi-Final: UL Bohemian v Blackrock College Highlights

Defending champions UL Bohemian came through an intense semi-final battle with Blackrock College, recovering from two tries down to claim a hard-fought 15-12 win at Annacotty on Sunday.

Watch the full match back on irishrugby+.

Fiona Hayes’ charges are now just 80 minutes away from retaining the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division title. They will meet Railway Union at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, April 27, in a repeat of last year’s decider.

UL Bohs had a tough task on their hands when Blackrock struck on both wings, either side of the 20-minute mark. Andi Murphy and the in-form Maggie Boylan crossed in quick succession for the third place finishers in the table.

However, unconverted scores from Chisom Ugwueru and Bohs captain Chloe Pearse closed the gap to 12-10, before replacement Clara Barrett collected Kate Flannery’s inviting kick through to run in a 67th-minute try which ultimately proved decisive.

Speaking in the aftermath, Red Robins head coach Hayes said: “We’d have big respect for Blackrock. We knew the game we played them a couple of weeks ago, they were getting a few extra players back from that, and the talent they have.

“They have like two or three teams up there, really competitive, so they’ve been building all year round. I knew it was going to be a cracking game, but when it actually came to it, it was very stressful for the last 20 minutes!

“The girls found a way. We probably didn’t have our best performance, but I said to them afterwards, ‘That’s a sign of real champs, we were able to dig deep and find a way’. That’s all I asked from them is that they’re able to do that, and now we’re in a final.”