UL Bohs get back on track with victory over Blackrock College
UL Bohs recovered from a defeat in round one to beat Blackrock College in a cracking encounter in Annacotty
UL BOHS marked a significant occasion at Annacotty with a 22-14 victory over Blackrock College, as captain Chloe Pearse made her 150th and final appearance for the Limerick club.
The milestone added an emotional dimension to an important afternoon for the defending champions, who were determined to respond after their opening-round defeat to Railway Union.
UL Bohs made the breakthrough in the 15th minute when Chisom Ugwueru crossed for the first of her two tries, but Blackrock responded strongly midway through the opening half.
Replacement Brogan Mior touched down in the 28th minute before Maggie Boylan added another try just four minutes later. Abby Moyles converted both scores as last season’s finalists moved into a 14-5 advantage.
The champions, however, produced a crucial response approaching the interval. Stephanie Nunan crossed in the 39th minute before Teni Onigbode added another try in first-half stoppage time.
Kate Flannery converted Onigbode’s effort to give UL Bohemian a 17-14 lead at the break, completing an impressive turnaround after Blackrock’s two-try burst.
Ugwueru then struck again nine minutes into the second half, completing her double and extending the hosts’ advantage to eight points.
Blackrock were unable to add to their first-half tally as UL Bohs held firm to secure their first victory of the new campaign, collecting a bonus point for their four-try performance.
It was a fitting result for Pearse, who captained the side on her landmark 150th appearance before being replaced in the 56th minute. The victory ensured that her final outing in UL Bohemian colours ended on a winning note.