2024/25 CELTIC CHALLENGE – ROUND 1: Sunday, December 22 – WOLFHOUNDS 33 CLOVERS 7, Energia Park Scorers: Wolfhounds: Tries: Amy Larn, Linda Djougang, Eve Higgins, Kelly Burke, Stacey Flood; Cons: Dannah O’Brien 4 Clovers: Try: Penalty try; Con: Pen try con HT: Wolfhounds 14 Clovers 7 Dual international Flood starred in the reigning champions’ back-line, topping off her performance with a closing 72nd-minute try. Ireland prop Linda Djougang’s barnstorming first-half breakaway effort led her to the player-of-the-match honour. In the first of two festive derbies, with the teams set to meet again at the UCD Bowl next Saturday (kick-off 12pm – tickets are available here ), the Clovers were only seven points behind at half-time.
However, Neill Alcorn’s Wolfhounds, captained by Claire Boles from the back row, pulled clear to kick off the expanded 10-round competition in impressive fashion. Coached by Denis Fogarty , the Clovers had the wind advantage but trailed 14-0 inside as many minutes. Ireland Sevens youngster Amy Larn surged over from the left wing, and Djougang’s subsequent score was also converted by Dannah O’Brien .
Marshalled by Deirbhile Nic a Bháird , the Clovers’ young pack earned a penalty try from a 20th-minute maul which also landed Wolfhounds number 8 Erin King in the sin bin. Despite the likes of Edel McMahon and Amee-Leigh Costigan (formerly Murphy Crowe) coming off the Clovers’ bench, the Wolfhounds enjoyed a winning start thanks to furthe.