Heartbreak For Eglish Camogs In Ulster Final.

Saturday 13.10.2012

Club

It was heartbreak for Eglish camogs on Saturday when they lost to a determined Ballycran side in the Ulster final at the  Morgan Athletic Grounds. The game was played in near perfect conditions which added greatly to the game. Eglish began the match at a blistering pace and were first to register on the scoreboard after just three minutes. There was a lot of play in and around the centre of the field with plenty of fierce and strong exchanges. It was Ballycran’s turn to hit a point from a free on the 45 metre line. Eglish had lots of possession and were able to send the ball into their opponent’s danger area where Ailsing Jordan was rewarded with a goal from a looping ball from Annette Jordan. There then followed a series of wides from both sides before a mazy run by Ciara Donnelly resulted in a point from over 30 metres out.

Ballycran won a lot of the 50/50 balls but were unable to take full advantage of the possession. Ciara McGready and Julie Lagan were always at hand whenever a threat of a real breakthrough arose. The Eglish defence stayed strong despite the relentless pressure and again the sliotar seemed to favour Ballycran when the ball released from many bunched situations. With only a few minutes of the first half remaining Eglish found themselves all square when Ballycran were able to take their frees and find some space to score from open play. At half time it was Eglish 1:2 Ballycran 0:5.

Just before the break Eglish introduced Niamh McNuly and with just five minutes of the half gone she was rewarded with a point from open play. Ballycran hit a series of wides which was due in most part to the determination and eagerness of the Eglish players applying pressure when needed. Both teams clearly wanted the win and the tension was high as every ball was fought for and neither side gave an inch. Ballycran continued to apply the pressure and soon had another two points within as many minutes. There then followed another series of  near misses from both sides before Ciara Donnelly again went on a run before scoring a point. There was another gathering of players near the touchline and it appeared Lagan was pushed to the ground but the decision went in favour of the Down club to the amazement of the Eglish players. It was from that resulting play that they scored a point to take the lead. Susan McCann then went on a determined run and was able to score to level the game all square with only a few minutes to go. The match looked sure to end in a draw but Ballycran broke clear to score the winning goal.

The final score was Eglish 1:5 Ballycran 1:8. Eglish scorers Ciara Donnelly 0:3, Aisling Jordan1:0, Niamh McNulty 0:1,   Susan McCann 0:1.