Ladies: Blackhall back on track
July 20, 2014Moynalvey 1-7
The Blackhall ladies played their second match of the week last night (Friday) against neighbours Moynalvey.
After the crippling defeat the girls faced on Monday they needed a big performance to get back on track. Although the girls spent most of the first half chasing a faster, more concentrated Moynalvey team the last ten minutes of the first 30 proved the making of this Blackhall team. The sideline made very smart switches, the first bringing Gráinne Ryan out to allow Claire Burke hold a tight defence and the second pushing Emer Keane onto the winging leaving Leone Nestor to hold the half-back line. The woman of the first half went easily to Sarah O'Keane, the main reason Blackhall saw the second half. Her blocks, saves and superb kickouts kept the struggling home side afloat and boosted the team's confidence coming into half-time. After a solid performance at full-forward, the youngest Kelly was subbed off for Rose O'Donnell, who hit the ground running, to say the least.
O'Donnell slotted over a point and fell, mid-shot, to score a goal that had to be seen to be believed. The whole team lifted their games for the second half with far more movement up the field with excellent support play across the pitch. The middle Kelly kept up with her fellow wing-forward with relentless runs, support play and a fine score. The full-back line welcomed Claire Stenson's shear determination, which mixed beautifully with the ever consistent Michelle Dalton and the powerful Claire Burke. Blackhall kept out many Moynalvey attacks, but slipped nearing the final quarter. With time almost up and Moynalvey putting the pressure on Blackhall all over the field disaster struck. Cousins, Jane Burke and Ann Murphy, had the spectators' hearts in their mouths as they both received injuries which should have forced them off the field. However, the game being what it was, the pair of girls dusted themselves off and went hell for leather for the final few minutes. The massive effort put in by every single girl on the pitch is to be commended and as a result Blackhall now have 6 points in this year's Championship.
The final score was 1-9 to 1-7 to Blackhall, after a hard fought battle. The girls now have a long break until the middle of August where they will, hopefully, continue their great performances.However, the numerous duel players have no such break with Championship Camogie against Dunboyne on Tuesday. After the great turn out on Friday, hopefully we'll see the same again on for the Camogie girls.
Blackhall Gaels - Sarah O'Keane, Claire Burke, Michelle Dalton, Claire Stenson, Gráinne Ryan, Emer Keane, Leona Nestor, Jane Burke, Sinead O'Sullivan, Ann Murphy (0-1), Lisa Kelly (0-3), Suzanne Kelly (0-1), Amy Nicholson (0-2), Sabrina Kelly , Fran Nolan. Subs: (0-1), Rose O'Donnell (1-1)
Referee: Geraldine Sheridan (Seneschalstown) Tweet
