Dramatic win for four goal Killavullen

Killavullen 4-8 Carrigtwohill 1-14

Killavullen’s ability to score goals at crucial stages of this absorbing contest, paired with the stubborn reluctance of our backs and goalkeeper to concede more than one major score, earned the Junior Ladies a deserved win, and helped maintain our interest in the county league.

Playing at home, Carrigtwohill made the early impression on the scoreboard and raced in to a fourpoint lead in the opening eight minutes. Killavullen had spurned chances in early raids, but Eva Lankford steadied the ship with a point after good build-up play from Clara Walsh and Andrea Fresh.

Carrigtwohill responded immediately with another point, but Eva Lankford gave Killavullen a huge boost with a well taken goal, with Clara Walsh and Niamh Buckley combining well to create the opportunity. Early in the second quarter, Eva Lankford converted a free, but the East Cork side quickly engineered a score of their own. Camille Ní Shúilleabháin was introduced for the injured Emma Nagle, who had been playing well, and quickly settled in to her defensive duties, while Clare Brennan was switched with great effect to an attacking role.

Erica O’Connell and Siobhan Sheehan have formed a formidable partnership at midfield in recent games and both players did trojan work linking defence with attacking and combatting the Carrigtwohill waves. The second major boost came in the twenty-third minute. Niamh O’Gorman has built a reputation for contributing great scores and she was the final link in an intricate team move that involved Clara Walsh and Niamh Buckley at the business end.

Lily Sheahan was busy but very effective at centre back, while Edwina Dingivan, Evelyn Buckley and Emma Taylor were all emerging with the ball as Killavullen appeared to grow in confidence. Olivia Cahill was reading the game very well from her full back berth and, while Carrigtwohill were taking the majority of their point-scoring chances, there was little on offer by way of goals.

The next score was an outstanding, long-range free from the trusty left boot of Eva Lankford. Carrigtwohill kicked their ninth point with three minutes left in the opening half but again Eva Lankford quickly cancelled it out.

Carrigtwohill pressed hard for a goal that would have restored their lead but Olivia Cahill made a brave and vital block, and despite having played against the breeze, Killavullen took a solitary point lead to the break.

Carrigtwohill settled better after the restart and in the opening ten minutes scored a goal and two points, with yet another Eva Lankford free keeping us in touch. Clare Brennan stormed in to the game and powered forward with the ball. Emily Fresh was introduced and Andrea and herself set Niamh Buckley up for a point with a super string of passes.

Play swung to the other side and in a hectic few minutes Carrigtwohill were frustrated with two wides and a fine save by our ever reliable net-minder, Claire Nagle. A Carrigtwohill point was bettered by a Niamh Buckley goal, kicked soccer-style in a manner worthy of a Champions League game to tie the game with a quarter remaining.

Eva Lankford pushed Killavullen in front once more with a free from the wing, and Niamh Buckley extended the lead with a point that had its origins with Olivia Cahill working the ball cleverly out of defence. This sporting contest was still very much in the balance and, lest anyone was in doubt, Carrigtwohill kicked two more points to bring the game to parity once again.

Every ball was keenly contested all through but at this stage both teams were digging deep for that extra edge. Emily Fresh won a free on the wing and kicked a great ball through to full forward, Eva Lankford. Eva sensed an opportunity to seal the game for Killavullen and coolly slotted the ball to the net, capping an excellent performance by her.

There was still time for Carrigtwohill to come in search of an equaliser, but in a tremendous display of defending, Killavullen held out and a three point victory was secured.

Team: Claire Nagle, Evelyn Buckley, Olivia Cahill, Emma Taylor, Clare Brennan, Lily Sheahan, Edwina Dingivan, Erica O’Connell (captain), Siobhan Sheehan, Clara Walsh, Andrea Fresh, Emma Nagle, Niamh O’Gorman 1-0, Eva Lankford 2-6, Niamh Buckley 1-2, Camille Ní Shúilleabháin and Emily Fresh.