Tullow women improving despite another defeat

Paul Canavan was upbeat after the Tullow's 45-5 defeat to Old Belvedere in the Women's AIL on Saturday. 

Yes, defeat was Tullow’s lot but there were signs that the home side were learning from previous defeats.

“I know people see the scoreboard and say Tullow lose again. No. I am happy with the improvement,” said the home manager.

“We lost a game recently by over 60 points. I understand the scoreboard is the scoreboard but the application from the players has been exemplary," noted Canavan who says the players never switched off.

“It would be easy coming off the start of the second after they have scored a couple of tries, we put the heads down and don’t fight. We showed great determination to work our way down the field and get a good score,” he pointed out.

In last place in a league table comprising of ten teams and without even a bonus point, the manager acknowledged the season for what it is.

“We were under no false illusions that this was going to be a tough year. We were not kidding ourselves that we were going to walk in and rock up. Get a top four place. Old Belvedere are a top side. We are building,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that there is relegation this year after there wasn’t for four seasons. Our goal at the start of the year was to stay up. We are five points off second last spot. We have to play Cooke in the second last game of the season and there are other games to target as well.” 

Canavan confirmed that he is happy with the attitude of the squad and a trip to Dublin next weekend does not intimidate.

“They was brilliant spirit at the end. They are not shy about throwing the ball around. It is about getting the right timing. Look, we will be up against it in Blackrock next week. We ran them close in our first game against them and we will give it a crack again.”