Down Ladies Fixtures/Results and Round-up

The ladies championship semi-finals took place over the weekend and an excellent display of football was served up to the large crowds attending the games.

In the Senior division the Clonduff v Saval game was postponed but Bredagh cruised through to the final with a very accomplished display against close neighbours Carryduff. The Duff girls tried hard throughout the sixty minutes and caused the Belles some early discomfort but they can and should be very proud of their performance. The Belles however never really had to get out of second gear and they will be more than happy with their evenings work and the knowing that a County final appearance is now guaranteed on Sunday 6th September.

In the Intermediate division, Ballymartin bowed out of the championship in Hilltown to a very astute Kilcoo outfit. This was a very cagey game with both teams never really getting a foothold. As it was the outcome could really have gone either way but the kilcoo girls more clinical approach to score taking won over the day and they now march on to the final on Sunday 31st August. In the other semi-final Bredagh II’s put up a good fight against Bright before succumbing to the Bright girl’s superior fitness and experience. If the Bredagh girls had of availed of some early opportunities the score would have been a lot closer but Bright did enough to edge into the showpiece and set up a mouth watering final against Kilcoo.

In the Junior Division Mayobridge took a while to settle and wear down a resolute Tullylish side but a barrage of second half goals killed of the contest and they rightfully advanced through to the final. The sky-blues showed some nerves early on but over the course of the hour they were the better of the two sides. Tullylish battled hard throughout and made the Bridge work for their victory and though disappointed with the result they will be happy enough with their performance.

Championship football by its very nature throws up the odd shock and a hotly fancied Teconnaught side was knocked out of the competition by a very enthusiastic and purposeful Aughlisnafin effort on Saturday evening. Teconnaught were never allowed to get into any kind of rhythm and the Fin girls belied their league position to topple one of the favourites and set up a clash with Mayobridge. The Final will be played as part of a double bill with the intermediate final on Sunday 31st August.

Week-ahead

The re-fixed Clonduff v Saval championship semi-final will take place on Wednesday evening in Mayobridge at 7pm. Clonduff current 3-in a-row winners and current holders are having a topsy turvy season and they will need to find some consistency if they are to advance against a youthful and skilful Saval side. As mentioned in the preview last week this game is likely to be close and its Clonduff’s to lose.

Fixtures:

Senior Championship Semi-final
Venue: Mayobridge @ 7:00pm (Extra time if needed)
Clonduff v Saval (M. O’Rourke)

Results:

Senior Championship

Bredagh 1-20 Carryduff 2-02
Clonduff v Saval off

Intermediate Championship

Ballymartin 0-10 Kilcoo 1-11
Bright 2-12 Bredagh II 2-03

Junior Championship

Mayobridge 6-10 Tullylish 1-10
Aughlisnafin 1-10 Teconnaught 1-05