UCD 1
Gorey 2

Gorey faced an uphill battle playing into the wind but after starting well play broke into the Gorey circle and UCD were awarded a short corner. Ruth Evans ran out to block the first shot but a goalmouth scramble and some excellent saves by Abi Nuzum weren’t enough to clear the ball as UCD swept the ball into the back of the goal. UCD continued to pile on the pressure and Gorey were glad when the first quarter drew to a close.

Coach Corrina Bailey made some changes at the break and Gorey started to push back. Once again Robyn Swords played strongly wide on the left feeding the ball through to Sadhbh Corcoran. On the right, Heather O’Sullivan linked up with Lynne Copeland and both Sadhbh and Lynne, along with Ailbhe Booth in the center-forward position, were unlucky with shots saved or skimming narrowly wide of the post. Sara Stephens also made some stunning runs from deep in defence showing beautiful skill as she brought the ball past the UCD players.

In the second half, Gorey had the wind at their backs and took advantage by playing the game more and more in UCD’s half. The path to the circle opened up and finally, all of Gorey’s pressure was rewarded as Heather O’Sullivan grabbed the equaliser following a rebound from a short corner. Gorey were back on level pegging and now the fight was on to secure all three points. Vicky Hughes and Laura Griffin again broke forward on different occasions to try to snatch the winner and Jill Stephens made some great runs up the right-wing.

In the final quarter, Corrina asked for more of the same and she got it. Lots of Gorey pressure which the students struggled to contain was finally rewarded with another goal mouth scuffle. Odile Evans pushed the ball in sight of the line and Jill gave it an extra push to make sure the goal would never be in doubt. With time ticking down UCD found a second wind and pushed back hard. Their efforts were rewarded with a short corner but as the ball failed to leave the circle before the strike the whistle blew for a Gorey hit out. Bridget Kenny, along with Vicky, Laura and Ruth in defence cleared their lines again and again and at last, it was over. Gorey had done it and breathed a sigh of relief as another three points went in the bag.

Team: Abi Nuzum, Bridget Kenny, Vicky Hughes, Laura Griffin, Sara Stephens, Robyn Swords, Ruth Evans, Odile Evans, Lynne Copeland, Ailbhe Booth, Sadhbh Corcoran, Jill Stephens, Heather O’Sullivan.
Coach: Corrina Bailey