LGFA Junior G championship: Nobber secure semi final spot

Nobber's Erin McCormack

Nobber 1 – 9 (12) Donaghmore/Ashbourne 2 – 5 (11)

Nobber ladies welcomed Donaghmore/Ashbourne to their home grounds on Sunday evening last and put in a hard fought, gutsy, determined performance to take home the two points on offer and secure a semi-final spot in the Meath LGFA Junior G championship.

Played under lights, conditions were ideal with little breeze and the pitch in fine condition. Little separated the sides in the opening quarter with the black and ambers leading by 0 – 3 v  0 – 2 after 15 minutes of play. The opening two scores for Nobber came from the energetic and impressive wingback Noelle Hanna – progressing forward and being effective on the scoreboard at every opportunity. Full forward Eleanor Gallagher kicked the third point for the North Meath ladies into the village end goals.

Nobber netminder Erin McCormack was steady under the high ball and distributed her kick outs well to her teammates. Sarah Monaghan and Edel Halpin battled well in defence and showed good leadership throughout. Nobber concluded their scoring in the first period with fine scores from Emma Condra and Edel Curtis respectively. Hanna once again showed her athleticism and skill and scored a crucial goal for the Deesiders before the half-time interval.

Half-time – Nobber 1 – 5 (8) Donaghmore/Ashbourne 0 – 4 (4)

The second half proved a tight, tense affair for management and spectators alike. Nobber were outscored by their opponents during the second half however the management trio of Paddy O’Reilly, John Clarke, and Kenneth McCormack will be delighted with the fight, attitude, and spirit that the ladies showed throughout. Full forward Gallagher kicked over a placed ball for the Deesiders on 37 minutes.

Little separated the sides on the scoreboard with the Dublin border side enjoying large spells of possession at times however, Nobber continued to get important scores through midfield maestro Louise Mulligan, the impressive wing forward Emma Condra and what proved a winning score at the end by half forward Emily Hanratty.

The black and ambers can now look forward to a semi-final which is likely to be played on the weekend of October 9 – October 11. The team no doubt enjoyed a few cups of tea and coffee in Keogan’s Pub afterwards celebrating their victory.

Nobber team – Erin McCormack, Eimear Mulligan, Sarah Monaghan, Edel Halpin, Noelle Hanna (1 – 2), Bridget McCormack, Edel Curtis (0 – 1), Louise Mulligan (0 – 1), Lisa Lipscombe, Emma Condra (0 – 2), Niamh Owens, Emily Hanratty (0 – 1), Anna Hughes, Eleanor Gallagher (0 – 2), Marie Smith.

Subs – Caoimhe Weldon.