Eastern Harps U18s win by a point
EASTERN HARPS TOURLESTRANE 1-10 2-6
IN a thrilling Minor A ladies final, Eastern Harps overcame Tourlestrane thanks to a last minute free from Megan McCormack. The teams exchanged the lead numerous times during the game, displaying some wonderful score taking. Tourlestrane were unfortunate to be without their sharp shooter Leonie Gaughan due to injury, but such a loss didn’t stop Tourlestrane from giving a fine display throughout.
Tourlestrane couldn’t have started the game better. A long pass from Ellen Bailey found Sarah Cunney, who handpassed to Laura Surlis. Surlis made no mistake in sending the ball flying into the top left corner of Edel Henry’s net.
After three wides each, the next score came to Harps, with Megan McCormack slotting over from 30 yards. Mary Ann Carr was very impressive for Tourlestrane throughout the game, and got their second score of the match, giving her side a three point advantage. Harps centre forward Orlaith Connolly was outstand- ing also, and got the next two points to reduce the margin to a single point.
When scores were scarce for Tourlestrane, Colette Walsh kept them in the game with numerous excellent saves - the first denying an almost certain goal for McCormack. It had now been ten minutes since Tourlestrane had the lead and they needed to act fast to push on. Rebecca O’Hara turned over a Harps attack, launching a counter attack for her side. She found Tara Walsh who carried the ball towards the Harps goal before kicking her first point of the game.
Harps now trailed by two, and could sense an opportunity to open up the Tourlestrane defense. A point from Megan McCormack, followed by a very well taken goal from Orlaith Connolly brought their side in front. Harps now lead by two points, 1-4 to 1-2. The Harps midfield of Aideen Coyle and Zara Stafford worked very hard to keep Harps in the game during the first half, and their effort was more evident when they were on top. Cathy Brennan scored the last point of the half to bring the gap back to one. Harps went in one ahead at the break, which was very impressive considering they were losing for the first 25 minutes. The half time score was Tourlestrane 1-3, Eastern Harps 1-4.
The second half brought the rain to Kent Park.
Not only that, but there were thirty minutes of nail biting action ahead.
Mary Ann Carr kicked the first score of the half, helped over by the inside of the post.
For the next ten minutes the ball was rarely found inside the Harps 45 metre line, as they attacked strongly against a tiring Tourlestrane side.
McCormack (2) and Connolly scored within this period to give Harps a three point lead. Tourlestrane needed something to get them back into the game, and fast.
Within 7 minutes, Tourlestrane conjured up three scores of their own, the first saw Sarah Cunney rifle the ball into the net, leveling the game.
Tara Walsh and Mary Ann Carr added to their tallies to give Tourlestrane a 2-6 to 1-7 lead.
Tourlestrane seemed to take their foot off the gas for the final six minutes after their miraculous five point turnaround.
Harps to their credit dug deep and turned the tie around in the last five.
Three frees from Megan McCormack put them into a one point lead, breaking Tourlestrane hearts.
A late free from Tourlestrane was cleared by Harps, as Gus Chapman blew the whistle to end the game.
Final Score: Tourlestrane 2-6 Eastern Harps 1-10.
Unfortunately for Tourlestrane, their season didn’t end the way they had hoped.
After impressive U16 and intermediate campaigns, a Minor A Championship would’ve put the icing on the cake, but just wasn’t to be.
For Harps, a brilliant display was rewarded as Leanne Powell lifted the trophy to roars of excitement and relief from her teammates.
A truly stunning game of football such as this deserved a winner, and Harps very deserving indeed.
Not one player could’ve been faulted for their efforts on the field. From one to fifteen, every girl gave their all for their team and jersey.
TOURLESTRANE:
C Walsh; C Mooney, C Marren, S Walsh; E O’Hara, K Molloy, R O’Hara; M Kennedy (C), S Cunney (1-0); MA Carr (0-3), T Walsh (0-2), O Fleming; C Brennan (0-1), L Surlis (1-0), E Bailey.
SUBS: R Walsh, A Walsh, J Corcoran, M Normanly, L Gaughan.
EASTERN HARPS:
E Henry; Z Stafford, E Rafferty, R Hannon; R Hogge, S Doherty, E Conlon; A Coyle, Z Stafford; R Molloy, O Connolly (1-3), L Powell (C); A McGovern, M McCormack (0-7), L Powell. SUBS: O O’Dowd, A Mitchell, E Murray, M Molloy, L Molloy, C O’Connor, C Hannon, E Stephenson.