Saturday’s full schedule of Bríd Óg games opened with our P3s and P4s going into action at Sarsfields.
It was a big change for the players, to be playing outdoors on a much larger pitch, with a pristine artificial grass surface, having spent the winter playing indoors on smaller hard surfaces.
Our opening game was against one of three St Enda’s teams, whom we were to play on the day and it took a little while for our players to adjust.
Ríonach started in goals for Bríd Óg and both she, Ciara and Georgia in defence, were kept busy for the first few minutes as our team fought hard to get the ball into the opposition half.
St Enda’s found our net several times before we got our game going, properly. Rónán, as usual, chased down every ball in midfield, but it wasn’t until near the end of the game that we start to find a rhythm.
Our second game was also against St Enda’s opposition. This time, Georgia took on the key goalkeeping role. St Enda’s had extra players and Orla from St Enda’s very kindly agreed to don the Brid Óg jersey and help out our defence, with Ciara and Ríonach.
This was a more open game with goals at both ends. Patrick and Ronan roamed midfield. Rónán, Méabh and Ríonach all found the target, but St Enda’s were equally good.
Georgia was given plenty of practice to display her trick puck outs !
The St Enda’s referee called this one a draw and we were happy to agree.
Our final game was against another St Enda’s outfit. By this time our players had got much more adjusted to the outdoor conditions and the length of the pitch. Liam moved into attack, where he was a revelation, scoring four of our goals, ably assisted by Patrick and Rónán, from the middle.
Just as this last game ended, Ciara, who had been in the thick of the action throughout, took an accidental slap on the arm. She showed her usual bravery. The referee blew the whistle and our players were very pleased with their display.
The highlights of the morning’s performances included one series of passes, the full length of the pitch, which ended up with the ball in the opposition net. That was a great piece of teamwork. Another highlight was Liam’s 4 goals in the final game. Rónán again led the way with his endless running, passing and tackling. Liam, Rónán, Méabh and Ríonach all appeared on the scoresheet.
Thanks to the St Enda’s coaches for refereeing , Orla for playing for us in the second game and to Sarsfields for the great playing facilities. Thanks also to all the parents, brothers and sisters of the Bríd Óg players who turned up to cheer them on.
Bríd Óg P3/4s at Sarsfields 12th March 2016
