2020 U15 Imokilly League -v- Cobh Rd2

U15 Imokilly League Match Report

Carrigtwohill -v- Cobh

Oct 4th

Carrigtwohill GAA grounds 

A very windy but dry day today, saw Cobh travelling to us for what we knew would be an exciting battle – and it didn’t disappoint.

Picking the starting lineup carefully saw Maedhbh being dropped in to full back with Neasa and Grainne either side, Sadhbh have back with Robyn and Alannah protecting wings. April and Erica started in midfield, to feed to play into Sinead at half forward, Eva and Eibhlin either side and finishing off with Ruth centre forward with Jodi and Abbie flanking the forward wings.

Cobh started with a quick point from play within the first minute but that’s all our girls allowed in the 1st Quarter. Defending well in the first 10 minutes payed off with Sinead taking a point from free at the 10 minute mark and another just before the water break, putting us in the lead by 2 points.

A quick point from play by Sinead after the break was followed by a lot of pressure in the midfield by Cobh who managed to push the play forward to score a point from free and goal from play by the 20th minute. The last 10 minutes before half time saw an even battle between both teams with Cate saving a good few attempts at goal, and our full backs Neasa, Grainne and Maedhbh defending relentlessly and clearing the lines, keeping any more scores at bay by the time half time arrived.

Score at half time – 1:02 to 0:03 to Cobh.

2 changes at half time saw Sara subbing for Abbie at full forward and Saoirse replacing Neasa to continue the strong defense. To inject more movement towards the forward line, Maedhbh was brought forward into Midfield with Ruth being pulled full back to cover. A quick goal in the first minute from Cobh did not deter our girls and a lovely point form play from Sinead in the 3rd minute added to the score line. The next 10 minutes were tough going and saw more play in the Cobh, but we couldn’t find a score, despite Jodi and Sara working hard to keep possession up front. Cobh managed to find space and scored 2 more points from play but with plenty of play in our half there still wasn’t much between the 2 teams despite the 2:05 to 0:04 score line at the water break.

Zoe and Emily replaced April and Jodi to inject fresh legs. All these changes started to make a difference with a determined Maedhbh busting through and scoring a lovely goal from play within the 1st minute of the last qtr. Carrig took advantage of a short puck out and Eibhlin picked it up and scored a strong goal from play in the 3rd minute. Our girls sensed a turn in the game then, and everyone kept their focus and determination. 2 quick points from Cobh followed but in the 6th minute Eva Lane’s constant hard work paid off with a cracking shot to the back of the net bringing Carrig ahead by just 1 point (3:04 to 2:06) with 10 minutes to go.

Every part of the pitch was challenged from then on with Cobh threatening all the time. Grainne at full back made some brilliant stops with Ruth backing her up at vital moments Sadhbh took very strong frees from midfield when needed, with Robyn and Alannah keeping their markers quite at very important moments. Erica seemed to be everywhere picking up some loose play and carrying the play forward. But it was heart stopping back and forth play with Cobh never giving up and scoring 2 more points bringing them into a 1 point lead with barely minutes left. Carrig tightened their defense with Saoirse playing back deep and clearing the lines with Zoe playing her part as well. The girls kept their cool, resulting in a free being given to Carrigtwohill in front of goal. Sinead stepped up, taking her time, and struck it strong and low, making it impossible for the crowded Cobh goal to stop it hurtling into the back of the net. This brought the game to the final whistle, much to the relief of the Carrigtwohill support on the sidelines!

An exciting but deserved win to Carrigtwohill – many thanks to Cobh for travelling to us and giving it their all. It is always a good strong battle playing Cobh. On another day it could have gone their way. Huge thanks as always to Peter Hogan for allowing our girls to experience a win on the Senior Pitch.

Final Score Carrigtwohill 4:04 (16) to Cobh 2:08 (14).

Scorers: Sinead Crowley 1:04, Maedhbh de Burca 1:0, Eibhlin Flynn 1:0, Eva Lane 1,0.

U15 Panel: Abbie Madden, Alannah O’Connell, April Normyl, Cate O’Connell, Eibhlin Flynn, Erica O’Keeffe, Emily Warren-Perry, Eva Lane, Grainne Cuddigan, Jodi O’Connor, Maedhbh de Burca, Neasa O’Donovan, Rachel Desmond, Robyn Walsh, Ruth Ahern, Sadhbh Cooney, Sara Barry, Saoirse Murphy, Sinead Crowley, Zoe O’Donovan.

A big thanks go out to our 3 younger U13 girls – Cate O’Connell (Goals), Saoirse Murphy and Zoe O’Donovan for stepping up to be part of the panel, to ensure extra legs on the sideline.