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On Saturday afternoon weather conditions improved so our u14 girls were able to travel to Ballynoe to take on St. Catherines in a challenge match. This game was to help prepare the girls for their upcoming championship match against Ballinhassig. We had 17 girls available for the game which meant Dermot could experiment a little with positions and personnel for the starting line up. There was a strong spine through the team beginning with f/b Ellie Mckenzie, c/b Aisling Harty, m/f Grainne Lynch and Zara Bowles, c/f Sadhbh Beausang and finishing with f/f Tara Crotty. Lia Hipwell took up her usual position between the posts ably defended by Mia Burke, Lucy Horgan, Caoilfhionn Barry and Ciara Steele. Our forwards of Aimme Morgan, Clodagh Mulhare, Ciara Deane and Faye McGrath made up the remaining positions. Lucy Keneally and Lilly McEllinney remained on the bench waiting for their chance to enter the fray. Within the first minute Aimee had pointed which was quickly followed by a goal from Grainne Lynch from a long range shot. 4 more points, 1 each from Zara and Aimee and a brace for Grainne followed. Most of the action was taking place in the oppositions half and any time the ball travelled past the half way line Aisling, Caoilfhionn and Ciara dealt with any threat and returned the ball back into the danger zone. Aimee made way for Lilly on the 15 minute mark after she received a hand injury and Lucy replaced Aisling. Sadhbh and Cloadagh continued to be a thorn in St. Catherine's side and Grainne pointed again in the 18th minute. With the last shot of the half St Catherines were rewarded for their efforts when they raised the green flag after a goal mouth scramble. Unfortunately Aimee wasn't able to return to the field for the second half. Positions were rotated with Ellie now moving to full forward. In the second half St Catherines upped their work rate and were seeing more of the ball. Our defenders worked tirelessly and denied them numerous chances of scoring with Lia making a number of important saves. Caoilfhionn shone in the second half showing great confidence on the ball and making numerous successful tackles, setting up our counter attacks. Aisling and Zara were as commanding as always and inspired the whole team. We managed to score another 2 goals and a point in the second half. The pressure applied by the hosts resulted in them scoring 2 points from 45s and again raised the green flag with the final shot of the half. Overall a good result from our girls. They showed great teamwork and worked hard for each other on the pitch. It was a good test for the girls. Thanks to St. Catherines for a great, hard fought contest.