Dublin 6-4 Down 3-8
A lovely sunny evening provided the perfect setting for a cracking game as both side fought to stay in the All-Ireland race. The old adage of "goals win matches" is certainly a truism as Dublin managed a strike rate of 2:1 compared to Down.
Four of those came in the first half. Two superb efforts by Sophie McCarthy in the 9th and 17th minutes. One each from Michelle Hetherton and Orlaith Murphy gave Dublin a 4-1 to 1-4 lead at the break.
Much of the credit for those scores must go to the likes of Clodagh Ellis, Niamh McCarney, Emma Quinn, Laura Gibney, Katie Nyhan and Jessica Condron who formed a very solid defence.
Any early point after the break by Clare McGilligan signalled a strong Down response but another goal from Michelle Hetherton in the 39th minute looked like it might kill off the Ulster girls challenge. But it was not to be. Within four minutes Down were level. Inspired by the brilliant Dearbhla Magee, Aisling Connolly, Niamh Rogers and freetaker Elizabeth Watson. The latter saw her 35m free go all the way to the net in the 40th minute. A minute later she pointed superbly from a placed ball before Katie McAleenan netted for the second time. From the puck out Dearbhla Magee showed outstanding leadership with the levelling point in the 44th minute.
But when the big questions were asked Dublin responded. A great Michelle Hetherton point following excellent work by Aoife Burke settled Dublin. Grace Walsh followed up with a rousing point under pressure before Charlotte Rooney made it three points on the trot. These scores energised Dublin and Clodagh Kilbane, Laura Gregg, Emer O'Riordan and Aoife Wade rose to the challenge.
Down fought desperately to rescue the game but in goals Cora Hogan was on her toes and dealt with several tricky situations with great calmness. Charlotte Rooney put the cream on the cake in the 54th minute when she fielded and goaled in a sweet move.
Dublin 6-4 Scorers: M Hetherton 2-2, S McCarthy 2-0, O Murphy 1-0, C Rooney 1-1, G Walsh 0-1
Down 3-8 Scorers: K McAleenan 2-0, E Watson 1-2, D Magee 0-2, A Freer, A Rogan, C McCusker, C McGilligan 0-1 each