11 April 2005 Down book their place in play-offs Share this Article 0 0 0 Shares! 0 Shares! SUZUKI NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION THREE PLAYOFF QUARTERFINALS DOWN 3-17 WATERFORD B 0-11 The Down Ladies Team booked their place in the Playoff semi finals with a convincing win over Waterford B in Dublin on Sunday 10th. Playing against a strong breeze in the first half, Down were slow to get underway, allowing Waterford a point from a free in the third minute. However, once Denise Maguire (0-1) was sent through by Michaela Downey (1-3) for a point, the Mourne girls settled into the game. They proceeded to dominate possession with a further point from Downey and a goal from Emma O’Reilly low to the keeper’s left, being the main highlights. Some wayward shooting in the difficult conditions prevented Down from taking control. This, combined with a ten-minute sin bin for Eliza Downey allowed Waterford back into the match. Their deadly accuracy from frees saw them punish Down to take the teams into the break level at 1-6 to 0-9 at half time. As they have done throughout the year, Down showed their ability to finish teams off with a strong second half performance. They consistently moved the ball wide, stretching the Waterford defence and allowing the forwards, most notably Lisa Morgan (0-4), Kyla Trainor (1-3) and Karen Keown (0-3) to punish them up the middle of the field. Strong performances in the back line came from Aveen Downey and Aine Keary while Aoibheann and Michaela Downey, who gave a textbook display of high catching, ran the show for Down. The result was confirmed with a goal by Downpatrick woman, Kyla Trainor into the top right hand corner with ten minutes to go. A goalkeeping error also saw Michaela Downey’s high ball land in the net. Other scorers for Down included Aoibheann Downey (0-1) and substitute, Aileen Power (0-1). The nature of Down’s quick expansive play, especially in the second half is encouraging for the team, who now play Tipperary on April 16th in the playoff semi final. A win would give them automatic promotion to Division Two and a possible rematch with Fermanagh who now face Dublin B in the other semi final. Share this Article 0 0