Seneschalstown 4-18 TG4 Underdogs 1-8
The new look Seneschalstown Ladies completed their last prep match in winning fashion before their championship final next Sunday against St.Ultans. Seneschalstown travelled north to play the final panel of girls assembled to for the reality TV show the TG4 Underdogs. The underdogs were using the Carlingford adventure centre as their training base for the weekend and the game itself was played in the immaculate Cooley Kickhams ground.
Seneschalstown 4-18 TG4 Underdogs 1-8
The new look Seneschalstown Ladies completed their last prep match in winning fashion before their championship final next Sunday against St.Ultans. Seneschalstown travelled north to play the final panel of girls assembled to for the reality TV show the TG4 Underdogs. The underdogs were using the Carlingford adventure centre as their training base for the weekend and the game itself was played in the immaculate Cooley Kickhams ground.
The game was played in three 20 minute intervals which enabled the large Seneschalstown panel to get plenty of game time with a Feis cup quarter final also coming up the week preceding the championship final. Seneschalstown played against the wind for the first and last intervals but still managed to finish the game very strongly displaying excellent fitness levels. The wind assisted TG4 Underdogs started the game at a high tempo and were aided by a strong wind gale force at times.
The find of the game was Seneschalstown keeper Anita McCloskey who showed great anticipation under the high ball and made several key interceptions dashing off her goal line at key moments. The strong winds were such the Seneschalstown found it difficult to even kick out the ball any distance but the backs and particularly the full back line coped well with Aonhaid McAdam, Mena Sheridan and Elaine Byrne showing well. The only real difference between the sides at the first interval a well executed Amy Carolan goal which came about after some excellent forward play involving Harris and Siobhain Sheridan.
Seneschalstown adapted their formation with Deborah Dillon, Louise McKeever and Eimear O’Carroll taking more centralised positions and Grainne McGabhann moving to the half forward line for this game and with allot of players playing for positions and places with a county final just around the corner.
The second interval saw the Seneschalstown girls hit the post a number of times but Louise McKeever chipped in with three well taken points and Amy Carolan again rounding off a fine individual performance with a well taken opportunistic goal just before the second break. With the Seneschalstown half backs Roisin Nulty and Captain Adelle Carolan dominating ensuring a platform for Seneschalstown attacks.
For the last 20 minutes the Underdogs fielded their strongest side with the wind and Seneschalstown changed their team completely bringing on Aoife Sheridan, Ger Gordon, Emer Sheridan, Hazel Bownes, Linda Quinn and Sara Crosby. These changes only served to solidify Seneschalstown’s control with Fiona Mahon, Aoife Sheridan, Deborah Dillon and Grainne Nulty showing well. The highlight of this half was the work rate and tackling of the Seneschalstown backs making it very difficult for the Underdogs to get into the game.
In a tough fair game the Seneschalstown girls show great unity and team spirit in a really enjoyable game to watch. This confidence boosting win against strong opposition is ideal preparation for Seneschalstown as they bid to continue their strong tradition of championship success in the county final on the 14th September @ 3.15 in Donaghmore/Ashbourne.
This will be a tough task for the 8 times champions as St Ultans had a comfortable win against Boardsmill in their Semi Final. However, Seneschalstown will be very eager to retain their title under new manager Steven Dillon and trainer Patrick Curtis. Preperations have been going well and they look forward to the challenge ahead.
Back left: Ruth Lynch, Amy Carolan, Siobhain Sheridan, Emma Harris, Grainne Nulty, Anita McClosky, Mena Sheridan, Emer Sheridan, Adelle Carolan, Hazel Bownes, Roisin Nulty, Partrick Curits,
Front left: Grainne Gordon, Fiona Mahon, Deborah Dillon, Eimear O’Carroll, Aoife Sheridan, Linda Quinn, Sara Crosby, Grainne McGabhann, Elaine Byrne, Aonhaid McAdam.
