U16A CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL 2014

Ballyboden St Endas U16A 3-3 Naomh Brid 0-1

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Up against League winners Naomh Brid, Boden entered the Premier Juvenile Final as underdogs despite a fine semi-final victory away to Lucan. Conditions were very difficult for both sides in a wet and cold Naomh Mearnog on Saturday afternoon.Both sides were understrength on the day, which was unfortunate.

Boden had the advantage of the elements in the first half, but it was  Naomh Brid who started quicker and seemd to be quicker to the ball in the opening exchanges. They were rewarded with an early point from a free by Niamh Skehan. Little did we know at this stage that this would be their only score.

The Boden girls got into their stride and won a number of frees 40 yards from goal, and Emer O’Leary and Jodie White popped over 1 point each. Then Aine O’Brien got on the end of a scramble in the goalmouth to finish to the net. Almost immediately the same player scored a fine point.

Laura Nagle broke through from midfield late in the first half and played a long pass to Aine O’Brien, who finished superbly to the roof of the net.  Naomh Brid were fighting hard to advance into the Boden half, and when they did their moves broke down before they had a chance to shoot on goal. Alex Griffin & Niamh Skehan worked hard in midfield for Naomh Brid, but found their path blocked by numerous Boden girls tackling in droves on many occasions.

 At Half time Boden had an 8 point lead, 2-3 to 0-1.

During the half time interval Boden adjourned to the changing room to escape the elements and prepare for an expected onslaught in the second half from Brigids. However, as soon as the ball was thrown in it became apparent that the work rate and intensity which the Boden girls brought to the field was making it nearly impossible for Naomh Brid to threaten the Boden goal.  Meanwhile at the other end the Naomh Brid full-back line remained strong throughout the game, led well by Aoife Friars.

Then the Castleknock girls had a few chances from frees which went narrowly off target. Then Boden somehow survived a goalmouth scramble to get the ball clear.

Boden looked dangerous on the break and missed a few goal chances before

the dangerous Emer O’Leary gained possession 30 yards from goal, beat a number of challenges and finished with precision into the bottom corner of the net.

When the final whistle went there were great scenes of jubilation. These girls know how to win on the big occasions, this victory coming just 2 weeks after winning the U16A Ladies Football Championship. They also took the Division 1 Camogie Feile two years ago.