Match Report Clare U-14A Final

The Banner Ladies have a proud record in this competition and were going for an unequalled five-in-a-row. Newmarket Ladies had other thoughts however! From the throw in the girls from the primarily camogie/hurling club put it up to the town side and announced their intentions with early goals to completely rock the Banner side.

Hat trick hero Niki Kaiser was supreme as she forced the play to the Banner at every available opportunity and her two first half goals, especially her shot just before half time, were pivotal in securing this victory for the undergdogs.

In truth Newmarket were by far the better side but the spirit and the never say die attitude of the Banner Ladies team must also be applauded. Given Newmarket's 4-2 to 1-4 half time lead it was possible that they would completely overwhelm their town rivals. Such was not to be the case however as the Ennis side scored 1-1 without reply early in the second half and appeared, with the strong wind advantage, to have the game at their mercy. Newmarket stood firm and refused to buckle under intense Banner pressure and wre rewarde with a match winning goal midway through the half.

Try as they may the champions of the last four years could not come back at the new victors. A late, late goal; by tthe Banner's Karen Woods was never going to be enough to overcome a gallant Newmarket team. The old adage that goal's win matches certainly rung true on the evening and a brave Newmarket outfit hung on for a 5-2 to 3-5 win.