Brides and Mattock battle to tense draw

In a highly anticipated clash that lived up to the hype, defending champions St. Brides and Mattock Rangers played out a thrilling draw in the opening round of the Whiteriver Senior Camogie Championship.

Mattock Rangers, fresh from their impressive performance in the Whiteriver Senior League, started the game with a flurry of attacks but were unable to capitalize on their early chances.

St. Brides' goalkeeper, Mairead McMahon, was in fine form, while the new-look full-back line of Sarah Fagan and Rebecca Mooney provided a solid defensive barrier.

Despite Mattock's early dominance, it was St. Brides who struck first with a well-taken 45 from Daire Hoey. Mattock responded quickly, with Jane Carter levelling the score from a free and Aoibhinn Killen giving them the lead with a well-taken goal.

St. Brides fought back, with Antoinette Power scoring their only goal of the game. Power then added a point minutes later from the subsequent puckout.

Daire Hoey getting a shot off for St Brides

Niamh Callaghan found an inch of space setting up Niamh McComish for a well-taken point on the right further reducing the deficit and keeping Mattock well and truly in the contest.

Lorraine McNicholl was in the form of her life, throwing herself into every tackle using her strength and speed, however, she took a bad hit to the ankle just on half time which ruled her out for the rest of the match.

Halftime saw St. Brides lead by two points on a scoreline of 1-5 to 1-3. The second half was a tense affair, with both teams playing with intensity and determination. St. Brides extended their lead through Daire Hoey and Claire Ward.

The current holders were 4 points to the good however Mattock dug deep, a determined Niamh Reid never stopped and won a valuable turnover setting up Orla Broc whose direct run at defence, her first shot was stopped but Brock doubled on the rebound finding the net reducing the margin to the bare minimum.

Emma McArdle showed her class once more extending St. Bride's lead by two. With just ten minutes remaining, Niamh Callaghan set up McComish for her second point, and Jane Carter levelled the score from a free.

In the dying seconds, Megan Malone was fouled, but the home side was unable to make the most of the opportunity, and the game finished all square.

Both teams will rue the missed chances but will be pleased to remain in the championship. If these two teams must play again the rematch between these rivals promises to be another exciting encounter. Mattock will play St. Kevins in the next round.  

St. Brides: Mairead McMahon, Niamh Cunningham, Sarah Fagan, Rebecca Mooney, Lorraine McNicholl, Caoimhe Hoey, Grainne McKeown, Orla McGeeney, Sinead Hughes, Emma McArdle, Paula Lohan, Daire Hoey, Claire Ward, Antoinette Power, Kim Poole.

Subs: Aoife Lawrence for Poole (30 Mins), Maedbh Thornton for McNicholl (30 Mins), Orla Cunningham for Lohan (50 minutes).

Mattock Rangers: Rita Mullen, Aoife McCabe, Aine Connell, Sarah Halloran, Nicole Vultur, Roisin Killen, Katie Vaughey, Ellen McCarthy, Niamh Reid, Niamh Callaghan, Niamh McComish, Orla Broc, Aoibhinn Killen, Jane Carter, Megan Malone.

Subs: Heather Broc for Aoibhinn Killen (40 minutes).

Scorers: St. Brides: Antoinette Power 1-1, Emma McArdle 0-3, Daire Hoey 0-2 (1F, 145), Claire Ward 0-1. Mattock Rangers: Jane Carter 0-3 (3F), Aoibhinn Killen 1-0, Orla Broc 1-0, Niamh McComish 0-2.

Referee: Brian Brady (Naomh Moninne).