Too close to call in Cavan Club Final Replay

To close to call in Cavan Club Final Replay

Don
Smith’s Bar Cootehill Senior ladies Championship final replay

This weekend Lurgan and Erne Valley will renew their title bid
in a replay of the senior championship final. The sides met three
weeks ago in a game that ended up in deadlock with eight points
apiece, forcing this weekend’s replay.

The game was played at a tremendous pace in Kingspan Breffni Park
but both teams will be disappointed with their performances the
last day, with poor shooting by the forwards especially in the
second half. Lurgan had the chance to win the game that day but
they failed to convert a late free, while Erne Valley will be
hoping that they will have their scoring boots on after they amassed
a total of nineteen wides during the game, eight of these wides
coming from a ten minute spell in the first half.

In the semi finals Lurgan put up a score of 2-12 so they will
be once again be looking to Claragh O’Reilly for scores. She managed
four points the last day equaling her scoreline for the semi final
against Knockbride. Ciara Brady and Philly McDermott also scored
four points each in the semi, but in the final remained scoreless
throughout the hour. Paula Fitzpatrick put 2-08 by the Lacken
goalkeeper for Erne Valley in the semi, but in the final only
managed four points, two of these from frees. She was man marked
particularly well but will be hoping to lift her game the next
day. Similarly too for Julie Ann Brady, Laura Pearson, Aine Brady
and Jenny Fitzpatrick who all remained scoreless in the final.
They will be hoping for a more focused approach in the replay
with particular attention to the use of the ball when in procession.

The backline for both teams coped well the last day forcing forwards
to make errors by marking closely and not allowing attackers to
run at them. Midfield again will be a huge battle with Michelle
Cole and Grainne O’Shaughnessy shading it over the Erne Valley
duo of Claire McPhillips and Emer Reilly. A final can be won by
dominating the centre of the park and with no team been allowed
to do so the last day all eyes will be on these players.

An intriguing game is in store to decide the destination of this
year’s senior championship final. Lurgan went in as slight favorites
on the first game due to the fact of their defeat to reigning
champions Knockbride in the semi final. After the final, Erne
Valley will want to make amends for their poor scoring. Whoever
learns the most from their previous outing will decide where the
cup will go. It’s still all to play for and with very little difference
between the sides; it would be a brave person to call the winner
this weekend