Go-Ahead Intermediate Championship Group B

After a good win in the first round of the championship the BSJ ladies made a long trip north to the Naul for their second game. While there was an element of quiet confidence in the group after the opening day’s win there was also the knowledge that it is never easy coming away to Clann Mhuire and getting a result. Both teams took to the field in beautiful summer sunshine which persisted for the duration of the game. And a good home crowd plus a few travelling BSJ supporters made for a good atmosphere.

Before throw in a minute’s silence was impeccably observed by all present to mark the passing of Maureen McNally, the mother of Angie McNally who represented BSJ and Dublin and was the club’s first female All Star. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam.

Immediately from the throw in it was clear that Clann Mhuire were looking to put their opening day defeat to Lucan behind them. They started on the front foot and applied huge pressure to the BSJ girls all over the field. The BSJ girls themselves started slowly with some uncharacteristic turnovers feeding more oxygen to the Clann Mhuire 15 and their supporters. With BSJ struggling to find a rhythm Clann Mhuire weren’t waiting around and attacked with purpose. A high ball broke in the square to yield an opening goal and when a good team move yielded a second BSJ looked under pressure. Sensing an opportunity to take full advantage Clann Mhuire doubled down and after securing some good scores from play and 2 frees they added a third goal leaving the score 3-04 to the hosts to a solitary 0-01 to the BSJ visitors. Only 20 minutes gone and surely game over?

But huge credit to the BSJ girls, they have a collective spirit that is hard to keep down for long, and they set about getting a foothold in the game. Suddenly, it was the Ballinteer girls on the front foot and the Clann Mhuire defence creaking. 1-05 without reply was secured over a hot 10-minute period for the girls and you could feel the doubts creeping in on the home sidelines. 

Half time BSJ 1-06 Clann Mhuire 3-05, A deficit of 12 points had been reduced to 5 and momentum was with BSJ. Maybe half time came too soon.

But BSJ continued applying the pressure on the resumption. A couple of decent chances went begging but when a super team move yielded a brilliantly finished goal the gap was down to the minimum with all momentum having shifted. But the girls had given a lot and emptied the tank to drag themselves back and when a harsh yellow card was issued to reduce the Ballinteer girls to 14 it gave the Clann Mhuire girls a chance to re-set and regain a possession foothold. They made the most of the opportunity and crafted a couple of goals to give themselves their breathing space again. 

Despite a further late rally by the BSJ girls that yielded a further 2 goals the clock just ran out. 

A lot of teams would have decided early on that it wasn’t their night, but this is a strong and character filled group who refused to give up or yield. While the eventual result didn’t go their way they showed huge resilience, skill, and determination in refusing to accept what looked like an inevitable defeat on a day when things just didn’t fall for them. Well done to all 20 players who took the field and to Emily Adderley on her POTM award, Emily epitomised the “never beaten” attitude.