Antrim Camogie Intermediate Championship

Geraldiens 3-15 Rossa 2-11

At O’Cathain Park Portglenone, Geraldines opened their championship campaign with a home victory over Rossa, but didn’t have things their own way, needing to produce a strong second-half performance to overturn a two-point half-time deficit.

Rossa had the better of the opening half, creating scoring chances at ease which were converted by Caitlin Armstrong, Eimear Byrne and the evergreen Natalie McGuinnness among others. A goal midway through the period helped them establish a deserved 1-8 to 0-9 advantage at the break.

Geraldines stayed in touch helped by the free-taking of Shannon Darragh and a sublime effort from Aoibhinn McCloskey that was the highlight of the half.

The game changed quickly after the restart when Darragh found the net from a free to bring Geraldines level. Rossa responded with their second goal – and it may have been a different game had Geraldines keeper Siobhan Doherty not pulled off a superb reflex save moments later – but Geraldines then produced their best spell of the contest, scoring 1-3 without reply to take control, the goal well taken by Aedin Vallely. 

A third goal from Cara Burns, put daylight between the teams and from there Geraldines saw out a 3-15 to 2-11 win.

Geraldines: Siobhan Doherty, Hannah Friel, Anna O’Kane, Maria Mooney, Dearbhail Dobbin, Orlagh Convery, Ellie Tsang, Aoibhinn McCloskey, Eimear McKee, Hollie Martin, Laura McAleese, Emer Vallely, Aedin Vallely, Shannon Darragh, Aoife McGrogan. Subs used: Cara Burns for Dearbhail Dobbin; Annie Convery for Emer Vallely.

Rossa: Aisling McCall, Hannah Dorrian, Caoimhe Wylie, Rachel Tubridy, Eimear Matthews, Caragh Shannon, Molly Dorrian, Caoimhe Quinn, Grace Shannon, Bronagh Orchin, Natalie McGuinness, Eimear Byrne, Caitlin Armstrong, Louise McMullan, Muirinn Quinn.

Referee: Ryan O’Reilly