Carnew Emmets

21 September, 2008

To a casual observer, a winning margin of 23 points would certainly give the impression that this senior ladies championship 'B' final between Bray Emmets and rivals, Carnew Emmets was an easy enough victory for the seasiders. However, this was definitely not the case as it proved to be a tough, hotly contested final for at least three quarters of the match. These sides last met in the league final last year, when Carnew came out winners with a narrow victory. The memory of that defeat no doubt provided an extra motivation for Bray Emmets.  Chalking up the first score of the game after only one minute, Bray settled quickly, but a series of narrow wides kept Carnew in the hunt and after ten minutes, both sides remained level. Bray gradually exerted their dominance and when Sinead Boland fired in a really super goal from a difficult right-sided angle, the writing was on the wall for the Carnew team. Further scores from Bray stretched their lead to an impressive margin of nine points going into the break. Carnew needed an early score after the interval to keep them in the game and that's exactly what they got immediately on the re-start. A high ball into the square looked as if it might go over the bar for a point, but instead, the ball deceived the Bray keeper and somewhat fortuitously ended up in the back of the Bray net. Only six points now separated the sides and Carnew with the boost of that early goal pressed forward for the next score. Bray were not to be denied and in those crucial moments their defence, marshalled by impressive performances by Sheena Smith, Lisa Brady and Jennifer Ding held firm under strong physical pressure from the Carnew forward line.

This was a true team performance from Bray, with Caoimhe Murphy and Helen Kirwan battling for every ball in the forward line, while Sinead Boland (3-01) and Niamh Coleman (2-07) were on fire throughout. Bray introduced all five of their substitutes and as they piled on the pressure, the scores dutifully followed. Carnew had simply no answer  to their determination and team-work and in the last ten minutes. Bray were now totally on top with further scores from Vicki Lennon, Aoife Heffernan (0-3) and Aisling O'hAnnaidh (1-01). As the final whistle sounded and Bray celebrated their victory, their thoughts had already turned to their next big match: a league final encounter with Blessington in early October.