U13 Girls vs Cregmore – Report by Zoe Kennedy
It was a tough game yesterday for our U13 girls against an older and more experienced Cregmore team who were more accustomed to playing at a higher level than Colemanstown. Things just didn’t go their way with a number of girls unavailable, sick or injured thus making it a much tougher match than usual. Cregmore were certainly a strong team that closed down the Colemanstown well and upset their rhythm.
The girls, however didn’t seem phased as they took their positions ready for the off. There was some truly amazing defending by debutant, Marian Higgins who consistently closed in on the opposition forcing the balls out to the wing, out of harm’s way. Well done Marian.
There were early attempts on goal by Libby Kennedy and Shona Barrett but Cregmore’s defenders were in top form and cleared both. Our defenders Ally Nutley, Aisling Ruane, Lucy Roberts, Marian Higgins and Aoife Hynes had their work cut out for them on the pitch with these experienced Cregmore girls but each was quick to move in, tackle, win balls and drive them back down the field. A solid backline indeed.
Eva Molloy, playing centre midfield put in a phenomenal performance. Her speed and accuracy in tackling the opposition stopped many of the girls in their stride and her powerful kicks sent in a number of balls into the strikeforce. Annalise Doran and Edel Egan must be given a special mention for their super efforts also, both providing a torrent of perfect passes and great drive. Nursing a leg injury Annalise was relentless in her excellent efforts.
Custodian Honor Touhy, as usual didn’t disappoint. She seemed to be continually reaching high, deflecting, diving and saving many powerful efforts on goal. Ally Nutley was also a magnificent player as she was quick to intercept a multitude of balls before they could get too close to our goal.
Some superb passing from Grace Mitchell, Della Griffin and Eva Molloy, along with Libby Kennedy were the driving force yesterday morning. It was lovely to see the teamwork and determination between the girls as they powered many balls up front. The second half brought a much better performance from the Colemanstown girls with Lucy Roberts and Aisling certainly putting in a gritty performance on the pitch today. Well done girls.
Three attempts on goal by Shona Barrett and Della Griffin in the second half certainly looked promising but the Cregmore keeper was quick to react to get her hand to each one.
It was unfortunate for Colemanstown to be up against such a strong team who, with their years of experience behind them, managed to turn around passages of play to their advantage. It was an unlucky weekend for the Colemanstown girls with so many other events clashing which left the team thin on the ground for players. A massive thanks to two superb younger players, Della Griffin and Aisling Ruane who stepped up and helped out the team yesterday, playing magnificently. Thank you. Credit has to go to each and every one of the girls whose heads never dropped once and persevered right to the final whistle. A great effort girls and well done!!
Senior Ladies league opener against Corrib Rangers
It was an equally tough game for our new-look Colemanstown ladies team who squared up to Corrib Rangers at home yesterday. Colemanstown fielded with a few debutants but the visitors were far too hungry, too strong and too ruthless. Corrib Rangers started strong, throwing the ball about to good effect and attacked from the off, keeping Colemanstown’s rearguard busy all day. Ciara Lally put in a big shift in her attempt to curb the pacey right forward with debutant Amy Monaghan on the other side doing likewise. Central defenders Aoife Donoghue & Katie Delaney after her freshly signed new contract did their best to limit the Corrib’s experienced strike force. There was a great contribution too from the old-timers as Orla McCaffrey was kept busy in goals and Catherine Burke was welcomed back up front. It’s great to see Catherine back again this season in the green jersey.
Corrib Rangers opened their account on the quarter hour with a good strike after a period of sustained pressure. The midfield quartet, Teresa Loughnane, Laura Parker, Sarah Keane & Alicia Flannery played some hopeful deliveries to the top two – veteran Catherine Burke & the nippy Mary Walsh who both found opportunities to cut through Corrib Rangers defence but the keeper was on top of her game. The visitors continued to string some great passes together and were rewarded with their 2nd goal which found the bottom corner after a bit of hesitation in the Colemanstown defence. It was one of those days when everything fell perfectly into place for Corrib Rangers and they scored a 3rd goal just before the break with a cracking strike into the top corner. 3-0 at the break.
The team reshuffled at half time with Claire Keane & Jessica Flores introduced in midfield & Kate Kennedy & Grace Bernotaite tightened things at the back. Colemanstown restarted in search of goals as the midfield line linked up nicely with Catherine & Mary up top. Mary Walsh’s pace was electric while Catherine Burke never lost her quick feet and great ball control. Together, they pressurised the visitor’s defence creating panic and winning numerous corners but Corrib’s defence were led expertly at the back. Teresa Loughnane had a chance but just couldn’t keep her effort down while Claire Keane seen her effort deflect off the post. Custodian Orla McCaffrey never let her concentration drop as she dealt reliably with any danger from set pieces. Amy Kenny, Ciara Naughton, Marta Cerezo in midfield & Helen Cullinane in defence added an extra bite in the 2nd half. Corrib got a fourth to help them bask in comfort after a nice delivery from the wing, beating the keeper to crown off their performance with a 4-0 opening league win.
Colemanstown created some good chances especially in the second half. Although there were no Colemanstown goals to show it was delightful to see this new look team gelling together nicely with the old reliable key players for Alicia Flannery who combined the player/ manager role perfectly & Philip Dee
Squad: Orla McCaffrey, Amy Monaghan, Kate Delaney, Aoife Donoghue, Ciara Lally, Teresa Loughnane, Laura Parker, Sarah Keane, Alicia Flannery, Catherine Burke, Mary Walsh, Claire Keane, Kate Kennedy, Grace Bernotaite, Jessica Flores, Amy Kenny, Ciara Naughton, Marta Cerezo, Helen Cullinane.