Bride Rovers quest for County Junior B honours came up short at the final hurdle, with a narrow 3 point defeat to Valley Rovers last Sunday in Ballincollig. In very poor weather conditions both teams put up an exciting match for the large attendance present.
Bride Rovers opened the brightest and were first on the score sheet with a Colette Hogan point. Bride Rovers were awarded a free after Caroline Broderick was fouled, but it was quickly intercepted by Valley Rovers who worked down field and got a goal against the run of play, they followed this with a quick point. Bride Rovers worked the ball down field and with a great move involving Grace and Sinead Walsh, Niamh Barry’s well worked shot ended up in a green flag being raised. Bride Rovers won the kick out, Katie was fouled on the run, Eleanor played a quick ball to Noddy who in turn was also fouled, and Sinead Walsh took the free from 13-metre line, no mistake another point. Valley’s were awarded a penalty after their corner forward was deemed to be pulled down in the box, however their full-forward drove the ball to the left and wide. Valleys pressed on from here looking for scores and were awarded when they got their second goal shortly before half time and they also added another point to their tally. Bride Rovers replied with a point from a placed ball by Sinead to trail at half-time on a score of 2-3 to 1-3.
Following the half-time interval, a few tactical switches were made with Elaine Dee moving from corner back to corner forward. This proved a decisive move with her first touch of the ball ending up in the back of the net. Valley Rovers added 3 points but their lead was short lived when Grace Kearney picked up the ball in her own half, with a quick pass to Eleanor she received the ball back and made no mistake in putting it past the Valley Rovers keeper from 20metres. Bride Rovers were awarded a free a few minutes after when Grace was fouled, again Sinead made no mistake putting the ball between the posts. Valley Rovers scored 3 points in the last five minutes and ran out winners on a scoreline of 2-10 to 3-4.
While all involved were utterly devastated at the final whistle it must be pointed out that this current Bride Rovers team did very well to reach the final in their first year in the grade. As is often the case the post match analysis involved a lot of could have’s, if’s and but’s. The elation at the final whistle in the county final last year was replaced this year by one of sheer disgust. However this final is now firmly placed in the history books and these girls are fortunate to still have two finals remaining in the 2008 season. On Sunday next at 3pm in Mallow these girls take to the field to play Boherbue in the Division 3 County League final. Being unbeaten in this competition this year is a great credit to all involved having moved up from Division 4 last year. There is no doubt that this Junior side will give of their best yet again on the field of play in the hope of bringing silverware back to the club. The very best of luck to all involved.
Many thanks to all our supporters who travelled on Saturday last in such terrible weather conditions. We hope a similar contingent will travel next week to support these girls.
A sincere thank you to our main sponsors O’ Coileains, to Liam and all the staff for the post match refreshments which helped the girls cope with the despair that they were feeling last weekend!
Irene Hogan, Elaine Dee (1.00), Arlene O’ Callaghan, Catherine McHugh, Marie O’ Regan, Bridget Forde, Catherine Power, Eleanor Ahern, Caroline Broderick, Colette Hogan (0.01), Niamh Barry (1.00), Katie Kelleher, Sinead O’ Driscoll, Grace Kearney (1.00), Sinead Walsh (0.03, frees)
Subs used: Michelle McAteer for Catherine McHugh, Imelda Dorgan for Sinead O’ Driscoll.
Subs: Catriona Vaughan, Michelle Barry, Sarah Barry, Sinead Broderick, Yvonne Broderick, Deirdre O’ Carroll, Lisa Finnegan, Ann-Marie Carey, Lisa Foley, Avelina Crowley and Caitriona Hartnett.
