U16 LADIES MAKE SURE DONEGAL HAVE THREE ULSTER FINALS TO LOOK FORWARD TO…
Ulster U16 A Championship – Round 2
on Saturday 7th July in Dunmoyle
Donegal 1-12 Tyrone 1-8
DONEGAL U16 ladies followed the cue of the senior ladies and men as they booked their place in the provincial decider, which is pencilled in for Saturday 28th July.
After a slow start, where Tyrone dominated the play and rattledhome a goal within the first 10 minutes, the Donegal girls fought back to make it all square at half-time.
Indeed the loss of Shannon Mc Groddy due to a sinbinning seemed to spur the girls on even more.
Some would question the decision of the referee to issue a yellow card as it seemed rather harsh in comparison to a sliding tackle from a Tyrone player that went unpunished just moments before.
With Erika Hanna, Maeve Liston, Jade O’ Donnell, Zaria Boyle and Gemma Glackin anchoring the backline, scores were coming from Sarah Jane Mc Donnell and Caroline Sharkey.
Tyrone played with a sweeper and Donegal took advantage by taking short kickouts.
However, the Donegal management will be aiming to work on the distribution of the ball before they entertain Armagh next Saturday at home.
All square at half-time meant it was all to play for in the second half. Amber Barrett was introduced early in the half and slotted into the full forward position with Caoimhe Mc Menamin making way.
The Donegal girls opted for the high ball on a number of occasions and paid dividends when Donegal won a few frees which were scored by Amber Barrett and team captain Blathnaid Mc Laughlin.
Shannon Mc Groddy is to be commended on her Player of the Match performance as she more than made up for the sinbinning as she was collecting the kickouts, driving at the Tyrone defence and setting up scores.
Unfortunately Amber Barrett was substituted in the closing minutes due to injury and we wish her a speedy recovery.
Overall, a wet and slippy ball did not help either Tyrone or Donegal and a number of referee decisions for both counties would have to be questioned but the Donegal team and management will be happy that they fought hard and grounded out a result when the going got tough.
With an Ulster Final spot secured, it will be back to the drawing board for Donegal this week as they will knuckle down to work and prepare for Armagh. Venue and Time TBC. Well done on a great win girls!
Other finalists could be Tyrone or Monaghan – depending on who wins that clash.