A past league encounter with Liatroim suggested for some that today’s match could be a close run affair. Today’s game would not disappoint our game tacticians. Playing under an autumnal sun with a moderate breeze blowing up the lough and across the field, both teams would find the playing conditions moderate underfoot considering the recent rain experienced in the Upper Ards recently.
Referee Mark McKenna officiated today’s game and on the whistle, Ballycran played towards the town end. Despite Liatroim taking the first point, in less than three minutes, Ballycran’s Sophie McGrath scrambled the sliotar over the Liatroim goal line. Liatroim’s mid field number nine, Dearbhla Magee would keep Liatroim on par with Ballycran until the eleventh minute when Magee broke loose from her marker and slashed a path through Ballycran’s defence for her first goal of two today to make the scores Ballycran 1-01 Liatroim 1-04.
Ballycran responded with another point and looked to shake off the goal but Liatroim’s danger woman struck again within two minutes from an identical position. Going into the water break, the score line was shaping up to favour Liatroim, Ballycran 1-02 Liatroim 2-06.
Stalking the scoreboard, Catherine McGourty pounced straight after the break with a point and then lined up for another point from a free but skilfully rammed the sliotar into the upper portion of Liatroim’s net for the first of two goals. McGourty would lob another sliotar over the bar to bring Ballycran back to a four point deficit with the half time score Ballycran 2-05 Liatroim 2-09.
The second half started with an inspired Sabrina McCullough controlling the centre back position and offering extended support to either wing and at times backing up the midfield roles as sister Neisha edged forward attempting to find the stick of Catherine McGourty. Keeva O’Prey worked hard and travelled quickly with her solo runs before meeting a determined Liatroim defence. Ballycran’s early goal scorer, Sophie McGrath, was frustrated by the heavy sliotar that defied a jab lift and took to spells of kicking the sliotar ahead into clear space but Liatroim quickly closed the loose ball down.
After the second water break, Referee McKenna spotted an infringement in the Liatroim box and declared a penalty for Ballycran. McGourty stepped up and placed the sliotar low and left beyond the reach of goalkeeper Niamh O’Toole. Despite Ballycran’s three goals and six points, Liatroim inched their points up to a full time differential of five points the difference. St. Patrick’s Park scoreboard registered Ballycran 3-06 (15) Liatroim 2-14 (20). Congrats to Liatroim and good luck in the final. Hard luck to our girls and management. It’s a cliche, but you did work hard and it was a close run game.
Here’s a few photos to record today’s semi final game.
Brid McGrattan from Ballycran with Amee McAleenan and referee Mark McKenna (BC v L – 1)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 2)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 3)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 4)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 5)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 6)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 7)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 8)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 9)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 10)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 11)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 12)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 13)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 14)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 15)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 16)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 17)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 18)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 19)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 20)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 21)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 22)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 23)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 24)
Down Senior Camogie Championship (BC v L – 25)
Thanks again to Down Camogie, Portaferry, Stewards, car park Marshalls and supporters for making today’s venue safe that gave us a real entertaining match.
