Report on Girls U14Championship Semi Final Syls V O’Dwyers & Sat Nav Probs in Tipp. ?
Things did not work out fully according to plan in relation to the Tipperarey game. Our sat nav had not heard of Motorways M7 & M8 and we went slightly wrong and missed most of the first half of the game in Sean Tracy Park. However, we did see the end of the first half and all of the second half. Unfortunately, Syls ended up losing by a goal 1-11 to 2-11. It was hard yesterday to look on the bright side but it was a great game by two great sides and the best of luck to a very sporting Aherlow in the All Ireland Final. Looking back it was a great year for Sylvester’s Senior Ladies winning Dublin and Leinster. Well done to Brian, Dave, & Declan. I assume someone else will provide a more comprehensive report of this game.
I appointed myself to do a report on the U14 Semi Final (Hope the sporting press are watching). This was a controversial fixture from the start. Syls U14 girls were originally fixed to play this game in Broomfield a few weeks ago. It ended level after full time. Following two periods of extra time, it was still level and the referee indicated that both sides would have to settle the game with five 20 meter kicks each. After a very tense shoot out Syls eventually won by 1 point when Emma Sullivan converted her last kick. Syls girls understood they were in the final for a couple of days until following an objection from O’Dwyers it was ruled that a mistake had been made and further extra time should have been played before the 20 meter kicks.
It was decided after a good deal of argument that the game should be replayed in Russell Park on Sunday 6th November 2011 at 10.00am. So in effect Syls. had to go out and do it all again.
The game started well for Syls. with 1-1 from Alana Hogan, Emma Sullivan followed up with a great point making it 1-2 for Syls. Alana followed with another point making it 1-3 for Syls. While Alana & Emma finished very well there was also great unselfish work from Sara Whalley, Anna Brennan, Grace Cosgrove & Shauna Murphy.
O’Dwyers came back with a point and for most of the first half, the score remained Syls 1-3 O’Dwyers 0-1. This was mainly due to great work at Centre Field with Emma Lynch & Lucia Hughes and great defending from Michelle Lambe in goal who made some fantastic saves and her defenders Aobh Hyland, Lauren Hughes & Moya Cowley in the full back line. The half back line were also the spring board for many Syls attacks led by Aine Cummins (daughter of Syls. Limerick & Munster star Timmey) who set up many attacks from the back supported by Danielle Lawless & Cliona Hammill. Unlike her father Aine Cummins is a defender and also unlike her dad, she is stronger on the educated right foot rather than Timmey’s educated left. She must be taking after her mother Colette.
On the stroke of half time, O’Dwyers scored a goal bringing them back within two points of Syls 1-3 to 1-1. In his Half time talk, Pat Brennan told Syls rightly that they were the better team for the best part of the first half.
Syls started strong in the second half egged on by a big Syls crowd with a point and goal from Alana and further point from Anna Brennan making it 2-5 to 1-1. O’Dwyers staged a big fight themselves at this stage also scoring three points making it Syls 2-5 O’Dwyers 1-4. At this stage, Emma Sullivan scored a great goal putting Syls seven ahead 3-5 to 1-4 (double scores). O’Dwyers however were not finished yet and fought hard to score two late goals. This was edge of the seat stuff with only one point in it. Syls 3-5 O’Dwyers 3-4. Alana tacked on another point for the final score Syls 3-6 O’Dwyers 3-4. The last couple of minutes seemed to go on forever until the final whistle eventually came.
Great credit should go to Pat Brennan & Shane Cowley on reaching the Final V Templeogue Synge Street (I think) and probably next Sunday 13th September 2011. I cannot wait for it.
The first thing Pat Brennan mentioned was to thank his very strong panel, which included very good players like Sara Fitzpatrick, Aoife Carroll & Roisin Rainey. These girls have helped out all year and no doubt will help again in the future. However, its horses for courses and certain games suit certain types of player.
Everyone played very well in this game and they should all get a player of the match award.
However if forced to pick I would pick two players seeing there were two games. Alana Hogan for a brilliant 2-4 yesterday and Emma Sullivan (over the two games) for winning it for them in the first game and for scoring 1-1 again yesterday when it was crucial.
COME OUT SYLS NEXT SUNDAY AND SUPPORT THIS GREAT TEAM IN THE FINAL SYLS Cailiní U14 ABU
Eddie Ó Mórdha