Atlanta kicked off the Women’s Premier League (WPL) National Championship with a 26-14 win over Berkeley. The Harlequins advance to Sunday’s fifth-place match against the winner of ORSU vs. D.C. Furies.
Atlanta was in better form during the first 30 minutes of the match, and it paid off in terms of field position. Inside center Laoise O’Driscoll’s boot and rush defense was very influential, and she helped set up the game’s first score. After a nicely drilled kick that was returned straight into touch, the Harlequins worked deep into Berkeley’s end. From a five-meter scrum, Berkeley flyhalf Lauren Rhode attempted to clear the ball, but O’Driscoll flew in for the block, and captain Maggie Craig grounded the ball for the try. O’Driscoll converted the score for a 7-0 lead.
O’Driscoll blocked another kick in Berkeley’s end, and that’s when the team decided to adjust its exit strategies – but not until Atlanta had another go at the line. The inside center nearly finished off a nice series of sideline passes in the corner, but knocked on. During the subsequent scrum, Berkeley opted to run the ball out of danger and eventually earned a penalty at the 22 meter, which they also ran.
Atlanta stayed near Berkeley’s 22, nearly scoring again if it weren’t for an errant offload at the try line. Unforced errors – mistimed passes in tight, a knock-on in front of no defense – hurt the All Blues, too, but the score remained 7-0 into the second quarter.
Berkeley still hesitated to employ its kicking game and continued to run the ball out of danger. Inside center Fehi Schaaf was an effective, brutal option all day, but a loose ball in the tackle allowed Atlanta to set up a scrum inside the 22. No. 8 Kimberly Knipe peeled off the back and fended past a couple of defenders for a centered try. O’Driscoll’s conversion made it 14-0.
During the final 10 minutes of the half, Berkeley began to show its colors. When they got a little forward momentum, they were more dangerous will ball in hand. Really nice continuity and quick ball allowed a fast march downfield. Rhode finished off the effort with a nice dummy-and-dive over the try line. She handled the extras as well, 14-7.
The teams traded tries during the first 10 minutes of the second half. Atlanta flanker Liz Snodgrass dotted down, and then a long Rhode break, followed by three penalties, put the All Blues in good scoring position. After a sustained pick-and-go campaign, Berkeley captain Allison Byrne scored. Rhode’s conversion made it 19-14.
The All Blues were able to make gains with every carry, but the Atlanta defense absorbed the attack. While Berkeley had a lot of possession, the team also had many turnovers. One such turnover pushed the point different to two scores. Reserve flanker Patty Jervey blocked a Rhode kick near the Berkeley 22. Jervey kicked ahead off off the ground and was tackled in the chase. A penalty try ensued and O’Driscoll slotted the easy conversion, 26-14.
There were still 15 minutes left and Berkeley threatened the entire time, but nothing amassed on the scoreboard.
The 5th place match occurs at 11 a.m. EST Sunday, and 7th place will be contested at 9 a.m.
Atlanta 26
Tries: Craig, Knipe, Snodgrass, Penalty Try
Cons: O’Driscoll 3
Berkeley 14
Tries: Rhode, Byrne
Cons: Rhode 2