Roche 5-9 Glyde Rangers/Westerns 4-2

Roche qualified for the U13 Shield final with a thrilling triumph at home to Glyde Rangers/Westerns on Wednesday night. 

Emmets looked well on course for the decider against Stabannon Parnells/John Mitchel’s at half-time, when leading 2-6 to 1-0, but the combination came back strongly and with the gust at their backs, they fired in three goals as the gap was reduced to just two by the waterbreak, 3-7 to 4-2.

Niamh Norton was in superb scoring form for the winners, kicking 3-6 from midfield, while Zoe Treacy and Erin Grier gave powerful performances in the forward line, particularly during the second half when the pressure was on. And having weathered the visitors’ storm, a testing time in which goalkeeper Daisy Connolly and full-backs Ffion Dolan, Cara McCourt and Courtney McNamee emerged with credit, the girls in blue laid siege to the clubhouse end target across the closing quarter.

Emer Douglas was omnipresent in various attacks and she cracked home a stunning goal, while Nicole Murray made a powerhouse impression, hauling her team up the field on countless occasions. Similarly, Aoibheann Reilly and Aimee McKee picked up loose ball all over the defensive and middle thirds, ensuring a flowing supply towards Suranne Robinson, Sophie McKay, Anna Kearns, Tegan Nash and Caoimhe Dunne. Eabha Callan, Caoimhe Gaskin, Faye Kirk, Alannah Marmion, Sophie McDonnell and Prayer Adjar all played their parts – as they have done all season long, leading to this point. 

The win was all the more impressive considering the Corcoran cousins, Sophie and Evanna, were missing having sadly lost their grandmother during the week. Their teammates paid a fitting tribute with an awesome display of commitment and desire.

All roads lead to Kilkerley on Sunday morning for the decider.

Roche: Daisy Connolly; Ffion Dolan, Cara McCourt, Courtney McNamee; Aoibheann Reilly, Nicole Murray (0-1), Aimee McKee; Erin Grier, Niamh Norton (3-6); Emer Douglas (1-0), Suranne Robinson, Sophie McKay; Anna Kearns, Zoe Treacy (1-2), Caoimhe Dunne

Subs: Eabha Callan, Tegan Nash, Caoimhe Gaskin, Sophie McDonnell, Alannah Marmion, Faye Kirk, Prayer Adjar

Referee: Seán Doherty (Kilkerley Emmets)