There was no doubt that Brigids, after their narrow loss to Vincent’s in the opening round of the championship 2 weeks previous, came to Pairc Uí Mhúrchú hungry for the win. It took (what appeared to be) a long 10 minutes before Boden registered their first score by which time Brigids had slotted over 3 good points, 2 from play and were looking the better team. Boden finally started to win more possession and both teams exchanged a few points in the 2nd quarter, crucially a late point from play by Shauna meant there was only 2pts between the teams at half time.
Half time score: Ballyboden 0:5 N. Bríd 0:7
Brigids drew first blood within two minutes of the start of the 2nd half with a point from play, however Boden responded almost immediately and put themselves right back into this game with a much needed goal from Chloe, the teams were now level. Both teams raised the intensity in typical championship fashion, watched on by a great turn out of supporters for the home team. Brigids, to their credit, reclaimed the lead with another 2 points from play, Boden now knew they had to dig deeper and they picked their timing perfectly, as they took control of the game with a goal (Abbie) & 4 points (Neasa, Hollyn & Abbie), without reply over the following 15 minutes, leaving Brigids a bit shell shocked after their strong first half. A late surge from the visitors in the dying minutes added 2 points to their tally before the final whistle confirmed a well-deserved victory for Boden (in no small part contributed by some wonderful goal line clearances from Ally throughout the game).
A terrific performance from the Boden girls, particularly in the second half, ensures them progression into the knockout stages of the championship, with top spot in the group all to play for in 2 weeks’ time, away to Vincents.
Full time score: Ballyboden 2:9 N. Bríd 0:12
Ally Ramsden, Alice Rudden, Abbie Fitzgerald, Ailbhe Christie, Bláthnaid Slater, Chloe Murphy, Ciara Barnes, Clodagh Delaney, Eimear Butler, Hollie Bolger, Hollyn Kennedy, Jenny Maguire, Laura Burns, Leah Cunningham, Megan Deignan, Neasa Codd, Shauna Feely, Sinead Hussey, Yvonne Gargan,
Scorers:
Chloe/Abbie 1:01 each
Hollyn 4pts (3f)
Megan/Neasa/Shauna 1pt each
Thanks to Miriam Doyle for the match pics.
Match report by Brian Deignan