From the outset, UKAF asserted themselves with an intensity the Irish struggled to contain. Dominating possession and territory, they ran with purpose and defended with ferocity, setting the tone for a one-sided first half. Their attacking lines were sharp and clinical, repeatedly punching holes in the Irish defence.
One of the game’s standout moments came courtesy of Orla Proctor. Picking the ball up with little space to work in, she bulldozed her way through the heart of the Irish defence, leaving four would-be tacklers in her wake before crashing over the gainline. It epitomised UKAF’s physical edge and set the tone for a scintillating opening half hour.
By the 30-minute mark, UKAF had already built a commanding 29–0 lead. Their tries flowed from both power and finesse: hard carries up front created space out wide, where the backs capitalised with clinical finishing. Ireland, to their credit, never shirked the challenge. Their commitment in the collisions was clear, and their determination to contest every breakdown earned them respect, even as the scoreboard tilted further against them.
The Irish challenge grew steeper when their No.17 was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-down, halting what looked like another UKAF breakaway. Reduced to 14 players, Ireland’s defence was immediately punished. From the resulting penalty, UKAF struck once again, this time through Sophie Benevant, who crossed the line to extend the lead to 36–0.
Moments later Daisy Fahey added her name to the scoresheet, continuing her excellent form. She not only finished off a flowing move but coolly slotted the conversion, pushing UKAF to 43–0. With such dominance in both territory and possession, the outcome of the match was beyond doubt long before the half-time whistle.
The second half saw much of the same pattern: UKAF dictating play, Ireland battling bravely but struggling to contain wave after wave of attack. Fahey continued to be influential, both as a scorer and playmaker, and UKAF’s tally soared. By the time the scoreline reached 69–0, it was clear this was a performance of statement intent.
Yet Ireland earned a deserved moment of pride when their No.7 seized upon a charge down, collecting the ball cleanly and powering through to touch down for their only try of the match. It was a reward for their persistence and willingness to keep fighting despite the scoreboard pressure.
UKAF, however, had the final say, crossing once more before the whistle to close out a remarkable 76–5 victory. It was a performance built on collective strength, with standout moments of individual brilliance. For the Irish, it was a tough outing, but one where their resilience and fierce attitude shone through in flashes.
In the end, UKAF left Kingsholm with third place secured in emphatic fashion, their dominance undeniable and their pride intact.
