St Brigids u10 girls travelled to a wet Shaws Road on Sunday 2nd October to partake in the annual Jack McCartan tournament. With 6 teams entered including hosts St Pauls Bredagh Carryduff O’Donnells and Ardoyne the tournament was going to provide stiff competition for the girls from Naomh Brid.
The competition was run on a league basis, with a straight shoot out for the first and second placed teams to determine the ultimate winners. With the focus on skill, enjoyment and participation the scoring system was based on two points for an “over the bar” and one point for an “under the bar”.
First up for St Brigids came the challenge of Carryduff. It was evident from the outset that the very wet conditions and sodden ground was going to impact the quality on display from both teams with the inevitable outcome a low scoring affair. St Brigids did quickly get into their stride and dominated the opening period with the lion’s share of the possession – however this was not translated on the score board, with a solitary 2 point score from St Brigids separating the teams at half time. The resumption saw the physically stronger Carryduff girls starting to dominate and midway through the half levelled the game with a two point score. Both sides had opportunities to clinch a victory however the stalemate remained to the end. Final score St Brigids 0-1 (2) v Carryduff 0-1 (2).
After a “one match” rest, next up for the blue and gold was the challenge of neighbours Bredagh. Having played each other on a number of occasions over the past 6 months the St Brigids girls knew this was going to be a close affair. The challenge from Bredagh did indeed prove a stiff one, however despite trailing by 2 points midway through the second half, the girls from St Brigids dug deep with three superb unanswered points to clinch what would prove to be a significant victory. Final score: St Brigids 1-4 (9) v Bredagh 2-2 (6).
The third match in the league stage pitted St Brigids against the relatively unknown quantity of O’Donnells. With confidence high from the great victory over Bredagh, the girls were somewhat complacent against the Falls Road team. O’Donnells dominated the opening period with an early score and but for some poor shooting should have increased this lead. However St Brigids did eventually haul themselves into the game with an equalising point before halftime. After a halftime “discussion” with the coaches the girls knew exactly what was required in the second period. The girls responded to the challenge with an early goal and eventually tagging on an important “2 pointer” to secure the victory. Final score: St Brigids 1-2 (5) v O’Donnells 0-1 (2).
Next up was the challenge of hosts St Pauls. Having witnessed some of the earlier games it was clear the Shaws Road team had a strong backbone and were intent on going all the way in the tournament, having won all games up to this point. As the game progress it was evident their winning streak would be extended, as St Pauls ran out comfortable winners on a score line of St Pauls 1-7 (15) v St Brigids 1-1 (3). However, the game did provide ample insight into the strengths of the St Pauls team – with two players dominating the scoring.
The final group game threw up the challenge of Ardoyne. While Adroyne were yet to record a victory, the game was approached with caution by the team as they knew they must secure the win and possibly with a high points difference to secure a place in the final against the hosts. Right from the outset the team were up to their task and dominated proceedings from the throw-in. In the end the girls ran out convincing winners on a score of St Brigids 1-6 (13) v Ardoyne 0-1 (2). A final spot against St Pauls was guaranteed when Bredagh overcame neighbours Carryduff.
Pitted against St Pauls, who had comfortably defeated all teams in the league stage, St Brigids knew they had a real uphill task in the final. Having arrived at Shaws Road at 9:30am that morning and playing in very heavy and wet conditions, the girls knew they had to lift themselves one last time as the ball was thrown-in for the final at 2pm. With some tactical marking deployed, the opening period saw both teams working hard to gain the upper hand. St Pauls managed to open up a lead by recording a goal and a point to open up a 3 point gap. However St Brigids were up for the challenge and bounced back with a point just before the break. The second period got underway with the girls full of self-belief and they soon levelled the scores with a fine goal. The final was now turning into a real ding-dong affair with both sides tackling hard and pressing forward – far from the one-sided affair some neutrals had expected before the throw-in. For all the odds it looked as though a shock was on the cards, when St Brigids attacked with only minutes remaining – however some wayward shooting was to prove costly as St Pauls on the counterattack notched over a 2 pointer to take the lead as the game entered the final minute. Despite repeated pressure St Brigids could not secure the all important score to tie the game, which finished with St Pauls tapping over a close in free with the final kick of the game for a two score and deserved victory. Final score St Pauls 1-3 (7) v St Brigids 1-1 (3).
Overall this was a fantastic day out for the girls in very wet underfoot conditions. Despite this the team showed real grit and determination especially in the final when they displayed fantastic skill and self belief to run a very strong St Pauls team close.
Well done to the whole panel – Ellie Martin, Naimh Magee, Rebecca Doyle, Anna Carberry, Aideen Mallon, Darcy Smith, Nina Fitzpatrick, Sarah Higgins, Eimear Mulligan, Rosa McCormack, Cara Lennon, Lauren Cox, Sorcha McGarvey, Eve Finnegan, Lauren Carroll. A special mention to the two team mascots and next generation of u10 players – Hannah Higgins & Orlaith Lennon.
Many thanks to St Pauls for hosting a very good and well organised tournament which was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants. Also a special thanks to the enthusiastic parents from St Brigids who provided support and encouragement throughout the day.
