Adult League Division One Ballyboden St Endas v Fingallians, Wednesday 17th May, Lawless Park.

The Senior A ladies footballers were on their travels again on last Wednesday when they headed across the M50 to Fingallians’ well-appointed Lawless Park for Round 6 of Division 1 League. The Swords team were somewhat of an unknown entity having won 4 of their 6 league matches to date. Boden started off in fine fashion with Natalia Hyland popping over the first point of the game within 20 seconds. However they were rocked back on their heels when on 2 minutes the hosts had the ball in the net. Game on! Our girls responded wonderfully well with Natalia knocking over some nice points from both frees and play but more importantly 4 goals between the 18th and 27th minutes put daylight between the teams from where the host club never recovered. Probably the best of these was from Alanna McGarry who stroked the ball to the net after some wonderful interplay at pace from defence to attack.The other goal scorers were Claire Kirwan, Ciara Ruddy and the ever dependable Natalia Hyland from the penalty spot. Half time score: Ballyboden 4.5 (17) Fingallians 1.3(6)

From the get go, the emphasis was on not letting Fingallians back into the game and with substitutes being brought in from an early stage it was satisfying to see that the intensity of the opening half was maintained. Kate Hennessy was brought on for Sadie Codd at half time to make her senior debut and acquitted herself well, with Sadie taking a break after playing for the senior camogie team the previous night. Indeed duel players Alice Rudden, Hannah Byrne, Caoimhe O’Sullivan and Shauna Feely were all kept in reserve and given game time at various stages in the second half. Ella Reid, another one of the new girls just out of minor, also started and settled in well as the scores kept on coming with Megan Dignam, just back after injury, getting 2 points. It was a toss up for goal of the match between Caoimhe O’Sullivan’s “ daisy cutter” to the corner of the net from 25 metres and Natalia Hyland’s palm to the net following a wonderful pass from her sister Hannah. Even though it was a “forward’s game” we had outstanding performances from many players including Rachel Ruddy (again), Hannah Leddy, Jenny Walsh, the two workhorses in the middle Hannah Murphy and Mayo woman Sarah Baynes. Fingallians never gave up the fight. Fingallians’ Leona Barry scored 2 goals on the 18th and 27th minute who along with the lively Niamh Rickard the two ladies worked their socks off. With a final haul of 9.9 and a personal tally of 4.5(17) from Natalia Hyland, the question was asked has an individual (from mens or womens senior footballers) ever scored as much in a League or Championship match. Answers on a postcard to………..

Ballyboden scorers: Natalia Hyland 4.5, Ciara Ruddy 1.2, Claire Kirwan 1.0, Alanna McGarry 1.0, Caoimhe O’Sullivan 1.0, Sarah Baynes 1.0 and Megan Dignam 0.2.

Next match: Wednesday 24th May Ballyboden v Clontarf PUM 7.30pm. Please Support.