All Saints travelled to Woodlands today for their first taste of Belfast Community 7s

The squad picked its self and the girls didn’t disappoint. Five of the All Saints squad of 12 were aged 16 or under.

Drawn in a group with Antrim neighbours Rossa and Gort Na Mona, Down club Bryansford and Armagh’s Mullaghbrack the Ballymena girls missed out on a cup place and were then entered in the Shield competition.

First up in the Shield for the Slemish Park ladies were recently promoted Antrim Division 1 team Creggan. All Saints went into this game as underdogs in terms of experience and status but grit determination and commitment to an agreed game plan saw them gain a deserved victory.

Next up was a very well organised and slick Gort Na Mona who had defeated All Saints in the group stages

The Ballymena side were outstanding and it was the Gort’s keeper who kept them in it with four outstanding saves with an injury time point from Marnie O Neill proving to be the decisive score for the South West side.

In the final All Saints faced Down’s Castlewellan and despite a great effort they were pipped by a good Castlewellan side.

Castlewellan did just enough to gain the win but All Saints asked questions of their more senior and more experienced opponents.

One club All Saints was evident throughout the day. The friendship and craic was great and the support for each other on the field was indicative of a group who are gelling very well going into the new season.

All Saints Squad:

Marnie O Neill

Maeve Goldring

Anna Keaney

Maria Sestakova

Niamh McMahon

Roisin Ward

Sianeese Maybin

Maria O Rawe

Aine Mc Veigh

Katie Connolly

Olivia Ervine

Celine Hasson