Cavan put first points on the board

Cavan Ladies picked up their first win of the Division 2 NFL campaign on Sunday away to Clare in Meelick. Sad news broke shortly before the game that key player, Bronagh Sheridan’s father PJ had passed away.

Despite circumstances, the game got off to an exciting start with Cavan goalkeeper Caron Fay making two outstanding saves in the first 3 minutes.

Clare secured the opening score through Emer Hillary but Cavan soon found their feet. Lurgan’s Claragh Reilly responded with an excellent long range point and another score from play in quick succession.

Rachel Jordan showed her versatility with a point from wing back but shortly after, the Banner County replied with a Louise Henchy free kick from the ground.

Caron Fay, who had a brilliant performance, pulled out another vital save and as a result Sinead Greene scored at the other end of the field after a well worked move.

Geraldine Sheridan found the net just before half time after taking the ball around Clare’s Emma O’ Driscoll and expertly placing it in the bottom corner. This cancelled out Clare’s previous point and left the score at 1-04 to 0-03 in favour of the Breffni girls at half time.

Clare began proceedings after the interval with a point through Louise Henchy. Sinead Greene linked up nicely with Caitriona Smith and added to Cavan’s scoring while Claragh Reilly followed pursuit with a free in the 37^th minute.

However, Clare counter attacked with 2 points in quick succession from Louise Henchy and Marie Considine. Disaster struck for the Cavan girls after the referee made the  controversial decision to send Rachel Jordan to the sin-bin. Meanwhile, Clare came to within a point after another free kick.

Cavan’s Emma McDermott was also sin-binned and with still 17 minutes to go, the 13 players faced a challenging task to secure the victory. It must be noted however that McDermott showed a fine display on her debut, working tirelessly in the backline.

Cavan never gave up and continued to exhibit an excellent team performance as another defender, Joanne Moore finished off a great team score after a gut wrenching run from the backline.

With 7 minutes of play remaining, the score was level at 1-07 to 10 points. Cavan showed both their experience and ability to cope with pressure as Claragh Reilly calmly slotted a free kick over the bar.

Clare’s last score came from Roisin Howley while Reilly again showed her class with both a point from play and also converted another free kick.

Aishling Sheridan, who came on as a substitute, sealed the victory for Cavan after the referee made a slightly harsh decision to sin bin Donna English for an innocuous tackle in the dying moments of the game. The final score was 1-11 to 0-11.

Cavan gave an excellent display overall, showing great teamwork and converting well-worked scores to secure a well deserved 3 points. The Ladies continue their league campaign at home to Down on Sunday 2^nd March.

Cavan Team:

C Fay; E McDermott, G Mc Glade, L Fitzpatrick, J Moore (0-1), A Cornyn, R Jordan (0-1), R Crowe, D English, M Sheridan, S Greene (0-2), C Reilly (0-6, ), C Smith, G Sheridan (1-0), C Farrell

Subs; A Sheridan (0-1), S Murray.

Report by Emma Duffy