Miller's speed too hot for Wales before icy weather takes its toll

WOMEN'S SIX NATIONS:IRELAND'S ICY weather conditions took their toll last night as the Women's Six Nations opener against Wales was abandoned due to a frozen pitch at Ashbourne RFC.

A decision was taken to abandon the game at half-time, owing to the worsening conditions, after Ireland had led by 10-3 at the break.

It was bitter disappointment for the large home support, who had witnessed a strong opening half from the hosts.

Ireland had most of the pressure in the opening quarter and warmed up the enthusiastic crowd when Connacht winger Alison Miller delivered an 18th-minute try after a superb run, which started when she gathered possession in the heart of her own defence.

Ulster’s Ashleigh Baxter and Exiles player Lynne Cantwell combined initially before outhalf Cantwell fed Miller on the wing, and Miller showed excellent pace, with Wales firmly on the back-foot as the winger claimed the only try of the night.

Niamh Briggs pushed Ireland 7-0 ahead with the resulting conversion, but the hosts were forced to defend strongly over the next 20 minutes.

Ireland withstood the Wales charge quite well, with Briggs placing a heavy tackle on Laura Prosser in the 24th minute, while their were other good hits from the newly capped Baxter and Grace Davitt.

Although Wales were reduced to 14 players following the 36th-minute sinbinning of flanker Sioned Harries, the visitors continued to pile on pressure, and they forced a 40th minute penalty, which Prosser converted.

Ireland gained the final say of the half with Briggs pushing the hosts 10-3 clear at the break, ensuring 100 per cent accuracy with the last kick of an entertaining half seven minutes into injury-time.

Supporters awaited the second half, before an announcement over the PA system confirmed the abandonment of the clash.

SCORERS – Ireland: A Miller try; N Briggs, con, pen. Wales: L Prosser pen.

IRELAND: A Baxter; N Kavanagh, N Briggs, G Davitt, A Miller; L Cantwell, A Davis; F Coghlan, G Bourke, A Egan, ML Reilly, S Spence, L Guest, C Molloy, J Neville.

WALES: M Evan; C Murray, P Tuttiett, A Taviner, R Fletcher; N Thomas, L Prosser; C Thomas, R Bowden, J Davies, V Owens, S Powell-Hughes, S Harries, R Taylor, J Kift.

Replacement: C Flowers for Kift (26 mins)

Referee: Kevin White (Scotland)