Our Senior Ladies had a good workout and win in Brookeboro on Tuesday evening as they prepare to commence the Club Players League this coming weekend. The O’Rahilly’s returning 3-16 to 3-9 winners in a good quality affair.
Belcoo made a bright opening to the contest despite conceding the opening score. There was some slick moves and clever patterns of play as they exploited space they’d created. Some strong running yielded free kicks from hefty challenges, Elaine Maguire registering 3 frees in Belcoo’s first four points, Sam Martin angling over a good point from play.
Sinead Barrett would power through for a well taken goal, Maguire followed suit moments later. Midway through the opening half Belcoo lead 2-4 to 0-2. The O’Rahilly’s were working the ball well from back to front, through the hands, right decisions were being made. Cara Gray had a fine hour at wing back, then midfield. The movements were slick, Mikayla & Elaine Maguire registered Scarlett O’Connor also split the posts.
Brookeboro finished the half well hitting four of the last five scores. The Belcoo score, another Elaine Maguire goal after the excellent Seana Feeley did well in the build up. Half Time Brookeboro 0-7 v 3-7 Belcoo.
The O’Rahilly’s made 5 half time substitutions and a number of positional switches but within 3 minutes it was a draw game, Brookeboro hitting 3 quickfire goals. The sides traded the next 4 points, two each, Michelle Cullen now operating at full forward with both her sides points, 38minutes played, 3-9 a piece.
This however was the end of the Brookeboro scoring, the home side didn’t register again over the final 22minutes of the contest. Belcoo dominated the ball and moved it well around the field. The hit the crossbar twice and post once while they registered 7 unanswered points to secure the challenge game victory. Cullen (2), Sam Martin (2), Elaine Maguire (2) and Sinead Barrett all on target.
Amy Hynes went close with a goal effort, Ciara Parker crashed a dipping effort against the bar while the Brookeboro keeper made two great saves to deny goals. Defensively the visitors were excellent after the early blitz at the start of the second half, Riona Keaney making one notable save while her kickouts out sky blue jerseys most of the night.
Training continues Thursday at 6.45pm
Team: (15 a side): Riona Keaney, Arlene Furey, Lorna McEniry, Kelly Connolly, Cara Gray, Leona McNulty, Stephanie Maguire, Sinead Barrett (1-1), Seana Feeley, Sam Martin (0-3), Michelle Cullen (0-4), Eve Barrett, Scarlett O’Connor (0-1), Elaine Maguire (2-6, 4 frees), Mikayla Maguire (0-1). Subs: Rhianne McGuinness, Eimear Gray, Amy Hynes, Ciara McGuinness, Ciara Parker.
