Monday 23 May 2016
Having already exceeded expectations, by reaching the knockout stage from a very competitive group and, in turn, securing, at the very least, an appearance in a Shield Final, the girls were on their travels (once more), this time to Dunboyne, for a Cup Semi-Final.
Throughout the competition, Dunboyne had proved to be a very strong and skilful team and had deservedly topped the table following the group stage, but, as usual, this young and determined Walterstown team were more than happy to take up the challenge.
Fortunately, the rain stayed away and the sun came out and a very sporting match was played out in front of a big home crowd and the ever dependable travelling support.
The first 15 minutes of the game were particularly competitive, with the teams evenly matched all over the park. However, with Dunboyne leading by just three points, the game’s key moments occurred. Firstly, a well struck Waltersown shot hit a Dunbyone post and rebounded to safety, rather than into the back of the net. Then Dunboyne capitalised on their escape, by scoring a goal at the other end. A flurry of home scores followed prior to the interval, which gave Dunboyne an advantage that they were to retain until the end of the match. Whilst the hosts were good value for a lead, the half-time score was harsh on the Blacks.
Half Time: Dunboyne 5-3 Walterstown 0-2
During the break, the girls were asked to keep their heads up and go out and win the second half. True to form and making light of the differences in age and size between the teams, Walterstown returned to the pitch and contested the match in every position, despite picking up a number of injuries. For the second match running, the girls can justifiably lay claim to the ‘score of the match’, with a run and shot to the top corner of the net (which was even better than a similar goal scored in the recent ‘parents and coaches’ match at the club), that ensured the Blacks did indeed win the second half.
Full Time: Dunboyne 6-4 Watertown 1-4
Despite the result, Cahal and Thomas were rightly proud of the panel’s performance on the night and wished Dunboyne ‘all the best’ in the final.
Next up for the girls is a Shield Final against Drumbaragh (with the venue, date and time to be confirmed). If Walterstown’s one point away win over the same opponent in the group stage is anything to go by, the match should be another entertaining affair and all support will again be greatly appreciated.
Following the match, Cahal again treated the girls to ice creams and he will now either apply to Agnes Brown/Robbie Barrett for a farmer’s subsidy or will start to charge the supermarkets more for his sprouts and cabbages.
The Walterstown panel on the night was: Lauren Clarke, Rosanna O’Neill, Katelyn McCabe, Ella Farrelly, Emma Deegan, Rachel Kerrigan, Áine McGuire, Isabel O’Connor, Annie Martin, Helen Lenehan, Abigail Stewart, Lauren Genocchi, Emma Looby, Danielle McFadden, Sinead Treanor Isabel Rogers, Chloe, Amy Hanway and Nadine Swan,
