Minor Camogie League – Division 2
A determined team performance from Cargin ensured that they were victorious and lifted their first Minor League Title in Dunsilly on Friday night.
In a tight battle with the combined team of GortnaMona/Sarsfields it made for a thrilling final. Cargin were first on the score board with a fine free from Sarah O’Neill however the Belfast side were quick to settle and soon had 1.1 with no Cargin response. The Toomebridge girls weren’t going to lie down and kept battling hard however the scores weren’t easy to come by with a goal overruled by a square ball and some excellent defending from GortnaMona/Sarsfields keeper, the ball didn’t seem like it was ever going to cross the line.
The Cargin girls kept the pressure on and were rewarded with a fine goal from Holly Mae Graham, further scores were added with a few frees from Sarah O’Neill to finish at half time with a score of 2.7 to 1.1.
After the break Cargin settled quicker and were rewarded for the hard work and determination winning lots of the balls in the mid of the pitch and moving the ball fast to the forward line who were waiting and willing to take their scores.
A personal tally of 2-7 from the excellent Sarah O’Neill paved the way for a great victory, the skillful Captain showed great leadership and supportive team play; she was ably assisted by Eimear McErlain who finished with a another brace and some well earned points. Eilyn Woulahan showed great courage and strength on the field of play, supporting her teammates throughout.
They weren’t the only players who showed leadership qualities Cargin had a solid defence who refused to let the feisty Belfast players through. The persistent Alex Johnston took control of the full back line and Erin O’Neill ensured that all loose balls were dealt with accordingly and they didn’t have to look far on the pitch for support. Aimee Johnston was determined throughout and was well supported by the Roisin Quinn whose long striking ensured that the ball stayed in the Cargin scoring half, she also stepped up for her own excellent long range point.
A great pairing in midfield with Orlaith Johnston and Laura Scullion proved too strong for the GortnaMona/Sarfields team, the greater desire and fighting spirit shone through with superb catches and bursting runs at the defence finished off with unselfish play to the forwards Cathy Craig and Elena Sidebottom who were able to get excellent scores from tight angles.
GortnaMona/Sarsfields didn’t give up on the battle testing the Cargin defence and adding another goal and point in the second half. Tara McLaron and Lucía Sidebottom made it difficult for them to break through and they had great difficulty getting balls past the determined Orla Dobbin who took great control of the defence from her goal line.
A hard fought battle and a great result for the girls from Cargin.
Teams: Orla Dobbin, Tara McLarnon, Alex Johnston, Lucía Sidebottom, Roísín Quinn, Erin O’Neill, Aimee Johnston, Orlaith Johnston, Laura Scullion, Eilyn Woulahan, Sarah O’Neill (Captain), Holly Mae Graham, Cathy Craig, Eimear McErlain, Elena Sidebottom.
Scorers: S O’Neill 2-7, E McErlain 2-4, HM Graham 1-1, R Quinn 0-1, E Sidebottom 0-1, C Craig 0-1
