Saturday 12th of September saw Cuala A and Lucan Sarsfields U16 Div 1 camogie teams battle out in what was their last juvenile semi-final championship. From the throw in it was clear both teams were determined to win and this competitive attitude from all 30 girls on the field continued right to the final whistle.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon in Lucan, Clara Finn got Lucan off to a start with their first point. A second point followed from Sinead Daly but it was clear that this game was not going to be the same high scoring game which Lucan had achieved in the group phases. Cuala battled hard and some textbook frees from Roísín Ní Drisceoil kept Cuala in the game.
The first half ended 0-6 to Lucan Sarsfields and 0-2 to Cuala, all still to play for, and an exciting and enjoyable game for all in attendance.
The second half started with the same intensity as the first, and Cuala scored three frees to close the gap significantly. With Lucan 0-7 Cuala 0-5 at the last water break, both teams were anxious to make a difference in the last few minutes. Lucan made some key changes in the final quarter and substitute Aoibheann Stokes delivered the key goal which Lucan needed. Supported by an excellent defensive team led by captain Cara Ware and some key marking by Ella Lacey, Cuala were prevented from breaking through.
Intensity from both sides continued up until the final whistle with Lucan prevailing 1-9 to 0-6 and now await the winners of Vincents and Raheny.
An excellent Cuala team competed to the end and gave Lucan a game which can only stand to them as they prepare for their U16 championship final.