The 2008 club season kicked off at the weekend, with the start of the Spring League. At Four Roads, we had the re-match of the 2007 County Final with Four Roads taking on Athleague. Meanwhile at Knockcroghery, St. Dominics took on new campaigners, Na Brideoga of Toreen/Ballyhaunis. At Four Roads, it was the home team who took the points in an entertaining encounter. Both teams lined out minus a number of regular stalwarts, but despite this both teams battled it out. It was Four Roads who settled early and caught the Athleague defence off-guard with a good goal. For the next 10 minutes, it was all black and amber with the Athleague defence under pressure and they were finding it difficult to break down a strong Four Roads midfield. However Athleague slowly pegged their way back into the game with scores from Annette McGeeney and Louise Connolly. It was Four Roads who went in at the break 2 points ahead. Athleague in the 2nd half had the advantage of playing into a stiff breeze but they failed to capitalise on the scoring opportunities presented to them in front of goal. It was Four Roads that were that bit sharper in front of the posts and this was reflected in their ease of point-scoring in the last 10 minutes. In the end, it was Four Roads who ran out winners on a scoreline of Athleague 2-6 Four Roads 3-5. Both teams will no doubt settle down to the next few months of training as a sterner test lies ahead for these two teams as they battle it out in the County Final at the end of September. In the 2nd game, St. Dominics went down to Mayo’s Na Brideoga on a scoreline of 4 goals 4 points to 1 goal 3 points. The Knockcroghery outfit were short a number of regulars and missed their experience on the field. The Mayo club are making great strides since coming on-board in the Roscommon competitions. This Saturday (8th March) sees the kick-start to the U-14 season with six clubs in operation. Athleague take on Four Roads, Padraig Pearses take on Oran with the last game a historic one with St. Dominics taking on newcomers Roscommon Gaels. Match reports will follow next week. Roscommon Junior Camogie team travel next Sunday (9th March) to take on the Lily Whites, Kildare in the second Round of the National League. Roscommon head into this game on the back of a facile victory over minnows Louth. Kildare however will provide a much tougher test and Roscommon will need to have improved from their last outing. Little is known about this Kildare outfit but going on performances between the two counties down through the years, it will surely be a physical and tough encounter. Kildare will have UCD Ashbourne Cup winners Susie O’Carroll and Mary Murtagh in their fold. However Roscommon will not be found wanting and will head into this game knowing that a win will set them up for a place in the League Final play-offs.
This Week’s Digital Edition
