U16 Division 2 final Kildangan Nurney 5:09 Naas 5:05
This Division 2 final certainly lived up to all expectations .It started with a flourish as Louise Scully corner forward for Kildangan Nurney slotted home a fine goal to provide her team with the ideal start within the first few seconds of the match. Naas recovered well and composed themselves, replying with a point from their corner forward Laura Lahart. This was closely followed by another Naas point from Saoirse Ferguson playing at full forward for Naas, after a fine passing movement from her fellow forwards Kildangan Nurney replied with another goal rewarding a fine passage of play by their midfield pairing of Grace Nealon and Ciara Byrne, who distributed the ball very sharply into the full forward line, Louise Scully obliged with another goal. Naas mid field pairing Ciara Brown and Chelsea Crowe worked tirelessly and effectively, ably assisted by their centre forward Niamh Bergin who secured a point to leave them two points in arrears at this stage of the first half. Kildangan Nurney continued to exert further pressure as Lauren Kelly , their right corner forward launched an attack resulting in a deflection by the Naas goalkeeper Amy Creaton for a forty- five. This free was taken by Louise Scully, finding her sister Muireann Scully, Louise Scully ran on for return pass and scored a point off this well worked move. Kildangan Nurney extended their lead with another point, but Naas were not daunted and competed for every ball and came right back with two great goals courtesy of Laura Lahart and Niamh Bergin in quick succession. This left Kildangan Nurney leading by a single point at the half time whistle. Half time score Kildangan Nurney 3-2 Naas 2-4.

The opening score of the second half was another point for Kildangan Nurney from Louise Scully, quickly followed by another point as a result of a free. Louise was having a great game and was very influential in her team's progress. Naas applied further pressure and cleverly strung some fine passes together to penetrate the Kildangan Nurney defence to allow Saoirse Ferguson to slot home a goal. Both teams were now in contention for honours as they were on level terms with ten minutes remaining. Kildangan Nurney edged ahead again with a great individual point from Kellie Griffin who won the ball in the centre, turned, beat her marker and scored. Naas responded with another well struck goal by Saoirse Ferguson following a fine interception from Naas defender Laura Naughton ably supported by centre back Aisling Gralton while the other Naas defenders Kelly Perkins, Megan O Driscoll and Anna Begley all did Trojan work for the entire match. Kildangan Nurney put more daylight between the sides with further scores from Kellie Griffin and great work from Grace Nealon and Ciara Byrne at midfield passed to Lauren Kelly in space resulting in a spectacular shot into the Naas net. .This was followed by a goal from Sabrina Kennedy leaving a seven point deficit to Naas. The Naas team rallied. This effort secured another goal for Naas leaving only four points between the teams. There were many dramatic moments at the end as Naas were deprived fine goal chances by the vigilant goalkeeper for Kildangan Nurney Marie Fitzgerald. Kildangan Nurney full back Emily Cains also came to the fore at this stage, executing a number of extremely brave blocks.
In hindsight, Naas could consider themselves very unlucky as they drew on all their energies to reverse the score, but all credit to Kildangan Nurney they held steadfastly to their lead and were worthy victors. This was a tremendous game featuring two very committed and determined teams; both teams a credit to their respective clubs and mentors. Supporters were treated to a very exciting game played in true sporting fashion. Scorers:Kildangan Nurney Louise Scully 3-4 ,Lauren Kelly, 1-2, Ciara Byrne 1-0, Sabrina Kennedy 1-0 and Kellie Griffin0-2 and Grace Nealon 0-1. Naas: Saoirse Ferguson 2-1, Niamh Bergin 1-2, Laura Lahart 1-1 and Chelsea Crowe 1-1.

KIldangan Nurney: Marie Fitzgerald, Sinead Hagney, Emily Cains, Aoife O Fearghail, Emma Newman, Sabrina Kennedy, Orla O Donovan, Ciara Byrne, Grace Nealon, Muireann Scully, Caoimhe O Fearghail, Arlene Kelly, Louise Scully, Kellie Griffin, Lauren Kelly, Charlotte Scully, Kellie Anne Scully, Una Higgins, Chloe Carroll, Katie Nealon. Tweet

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