Tyrone Camogs Run Armagh Close

Saturday 21.11.2020

Camogie

In spite of coming into the game as firm underdogs Tyrone Camogs ran Armagh close at Crossmaglen in the semi final of the All Ireland Junior Championship before losing out 2-10 to 3-4. Three first half goals helped send the Red Hands in at the break leading 3-1 to 0-5 but Armagh’s greater strength in depth and experience proved decisive in the final outcome.

Armagh played into the wind in the first half and settled quickly with early points from Laura Smyth, Ciara Donnelly and Rachel Merry. Tyrone looked nervous in the opening exchanges but an eleventh minute goal from Norah Ward settled the team and from then until the break Tyrone were the better side.

Player of the match Reagan Fay and Cara Little both found the net while Merry pointed for Armagh. Niamh Mc Nulty extended the Tyrone lead before Leanne Donnelly sent over her team’s fifth point of the game. With half time rapidly approaching Tyrone keeper Una Mc Cann made the first of several outstanding saves to ensure that the Red Hands went in at the break leading by five.

Armagh had the benefit of the elects for the second half and although they enjoyed lots of possession they found the tenacity of Tyrone hard to cope with. Julie Lagan, Grainne Rafferty, Laura Barker, Aisling Jordan, Casey Gallagher and Rebecca Barker fought for every ball like demons while the work rate of Reagan Fay and Niamh Mc Nulty helped relieve the pressure numerous times on the Tyrone defence.

The introduction of Eimear Smyth to the Armagh forward line afforded them greater scoring chances and a brace of goals from the Ballymacnab player midway through the second half gave them a lead they maintained right to the end. Tyrone did rattle them with points from Reagan Fay and Niamh Mc Nulty but the Orchard County stood firm and held out to win 2-10 to 3-4.

Tyrone Scorers: Norah Ward 1-0, Reagan Fay 1-1, Cara Little 1-0, Niamh Mc Nulty 0-3.