U15 Girls: Ratoath lead the way
October 23, 2014
MEATH LADIES FOOTBALL
U15 DIVISION 1 SHIELD FINAL 2014
RATOATH 5-7 DUNBOYNE 3-3
On a mild windy day in Skyrne, Ratoath under 15 girls had a fully deserved victory over Dunboyne to win the division 1 shield final in fine style.
Dunboyne got off to a good start with two quick points but Ratoath came back strongly to dominate play for the rest of the half. However, possession was slow to turn into scores and only when Hannah Talbot found the net after 20 minutes did Ratoath have a lead that their efforts deserved. That didn't last long however as Dunboyne sneaked a goal before half time. Indeed, Lauryn Murray came off her line brilliantly to stop Dunboyne getting another goal and preserve Ratoath's lead going into the break, 1-5 to 1-3.
The Ratoath girls were fortunate early in the 2nd half when Dunboyne missed some good chances but this seemed to spur the girls on. They continued playing good attacking football and stretched their lead to 6 points with a goal at the end of the 3rd quarter.
The Ratoath defence kept a very good Dunboyne side scoreless for over 20 minutes in the 2nd half with some brilliant interceptions. The forwards continued to make themselves available and went further ahead when Fiona McNerney finished a penalty to the net. The last 10 minutes were a great advertisement for ladies football as each team traded goals to leave Ratoath 4 points ahead going into injury time.
The hard work and skill shown by the Ratoath players all through the match was rewarded with a strong finish and a well deserved 10 point victory. This is the first trophy won by this group of players after some near misses in recent years. Well done to all concerned.
RATOATH U15 DIVISION 1 SHIELD WINNERS:
Lauryn Murray, Louise Rice (capt), Orla Hayes, Tara Brazil, Katie Newe, Anna Branagan, Lelia Byrne, Kira Bryan, Marina Kelly, Hannah Talbot (2-2), Fiona McNerney (1-2), Aine McNerney (2-0), Shauna Stoney (0-2), Aishling Lynch, Ciara Byrne (0-1), Aine O'Connor, Kerri Leonard, Alishe McDonnell, Chloe Faherty, Jade Conroy, Aoife Tormey.
