Belcoo U14 Girls played out a good game in Belnaleck in the season opener on Monday evening before going down 7-5 to 4-8. The O’Rahilly’s never led in the contest but were always within a few kicks of the ball of their opponents throughout.
Belnaleck made a great opening to the contest and had 2-2 on the board inside the opening 8minutes. The O’Rahilly’s took their time to settle into the tie before Ciara Parker clipped over two frees in the 12th & 13th minutes. The home teams reply was a third goal but Belcoo had their best spell of the game moments later.
Cairenn McGrath was showing well on the 40 and she linked up with Ciara Parker and Katie McNulty before Casey Nolan fastened onto the ball and hit the net. Within a minute Belcoo had a second goal, Ella McGovern did really well down the left wing driving upfield with possession, she fisted over the top to Sasha McGillen who rattled the net from 14yards. Ciara Parker followed up with a pointed free after Kayla McGrath was fouled. 18minutes on the clock, Belnaleck 3-2 v 2-3 Belcoo.
Defenses started to get on top from here to half time as only one more score was registered in the remaining 12minutes by the home side. For Belcoo young 10year old Julijana McGourty was excelling in her first ever competitive Girls game at the back while Zoe Lavery was doing well with Lily Mae McNulty getting through a lot of work and making some impressive tackles. Half time Belnaleck 3-3 v 2-3 Belcoo.
Belcoo would cut the deficit to one point early in the second period as Ciara Parker landed a free and Lily Mae McNulty kicked a fine score from play. Natnicha Mills though, who was impressive throughout for the home side would race in for a goal at the other end to put four between the sides.
The O’Rahilly’s worked a good move with Megan Maguire and Ciara Parker taking the ball downfield, Cairenn McGrath got on the ball and played a neat one-two with Sasha McGillen before McGrath swong the ball over the bar. 37minutes played, 4-3 to 2-6 in Belnaleck’s favour.
It got better for the home side as a two goal blast on 38 and 40minutes pushed them into a good lead. Belcoo though responded. Substitute Kate Ryan did excellently in the right corner back spot to win back possession and fine Lily Mae McNulty, she in turn fed Ciara Parker who knocked the ball forward and Sasha McGillen gathered before turning and netting her sides third goal. Ciara Parker added a free but Belnaleck struck back with a 7th goal.
15minutes to play, the home side now 7-3 to 3-7 ahead. Belcoo continued to battle and work hard. Ciara Parker registered a goal and point to cut the deficit back to four but two late scores from the home team seen them win by 6points.
It was a good first outing and the Belcoo girls will learn plenty from the contest. They host Enniskillen Gaels next Monday at 7pm.
Team : Orlaith McAloon, Amber McCann, Megan Maguire, Julijana McGourty, Zoe Lavery, Evie Savage, Ella McGovern, Lily Mae McNulty (0-1), Ciara Parker (1-6), Katie McNulty, Cairenn McGrath (0-1), Caoimhe Gilroy, Kayla McGrath, Sasha McGillen (2-0), Casey Nolan (1-0). Subs : Kate Ryan and Keeva Whitmore.
