After last weeks heart stopping win over Tinahely from Wicklow following extra time and a nerve wracking point shoot out, Dunboyne travelled out Saturday to take on the Laois champions, Raheniska.

Dunboyne 7-12 Raheniska 4-7

In good conditions and on a good pitch both teams served up a very entertaining game of football which was in the balance until the closing 5 minutes.

Dunboyne played into the breeze in the first half and had a bright opening with a number of good scoring chances created which resulted in the first score of the game a goal from Emma Duggan. Raheniska responded strongly and started to gain a lot of possession then replied with a goal to level the scorers. The game flowed from end to end with both teams creating a number of goal changes and Dunboyne converted to close range fisted efforts from Vikki Wall and a point from Fiona O'Neill.

At the other end the Raheniska centre forward was causing problems for the Dunboyne defence with very strong running and ball carrying which yielded another goal and a number of converted frees for Raheniska.

Dunboyne were dealt a blow with 5 mins to half time when Annie Moffatt was sin binned, the next five minutes were crucial and Dunboyne while under a lot a pressure weathered the storm with Dee Blayney coming out with a number of balls and got to half time on level terms. Dunboyne 3-2 Raheniska 2-5.

Now playing with the advantage of the breeze, Dunboyne started the 2nd half with a lot more energy and accuracy in their play. The defence started to get on top and the ball into the forwards yielded chances and a number of scores followed from both Aoife Thompson and Fiona O'Neill.

They say goals win games and this was certainly the case on Saturday as Dunboyne hit a purple patch shortly after they were restored to 15 and a number of quick scores including goals from Emma Duggan and Shelly Melia created a bit of breathing space on the scoreboard. But Raheniska continued to push forward and scored 2 goals of their own and also drawing 2 fine saves from Goalkeeper Alison O'Sullivan to ensure Dunboyne had to keep playing right until the last few minutes.

Dunboyne used the ball very well in the last 10 minutes and kept the scoreboard moving from play and frees to ensure the win on a slightly flattering score line and secure a place in the Leinster final on Oct 28th v St. Maurs of Dublin.

The final throws up a very interesting clash of the 2015 All Ireland Junior champions Dunboyne versus 2016 All Ireland Junior Champions St Maurs

Dunboyne: Alison O'Sullivan, Rachel McDermott, Emma O'Byrne, Claire Barker, Beibhinn Hickey, Annie Moffatt, Niamh Williams, Dee Blayney, Julie Kavanagh, Sinead Hackett, Shelly Melia (0-1), Emma Duggan (3-1), Fiona O'Neill (0-5), Vikki Wall ( 2-1), Aoife Thompson (1-5)

Subs used: Elaine Doyle for Niamh Williams, Aisling Flynn for Sinead Hackett, Carol Keenan for Julie Kavanagh, Katie Bermingham for Rachel Mc Dermott, Alison Jones for Emma Duggan

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