West U21A Football Championship: Cappa Gaels make history to reach the final

Cappawhite Gaels 2-12

Arravale Rovers 2-11

Michael McCarthy at Cappawhite

Cappawhite Gaels got the win they need to reach the final of the West U21 A football final for the first time.

In an entertaining game which ebbed and flowed the combo got off to the better start and a goal from a penalty after three minutes and followed up with two quick points before Arravale Rovers opened their account.

After 15 minutes Cappawhite Gaels led 1-04 to 0-04 but would fail to score for the remainder of the half. Arravale Rovers took over and scored 1-04 without reply to lead 1-08 to 1-04 at the break.

Cappawhite Gaels started the 2nd half in a hurry and within four minutes had drawn level before taking the lead after 8 minutes with a well taken goal. This seemed to spark Arravale Rovers back to life and they responded with a second goal of their own 5 minutes later. Cappawhite Gaels dug in for the rest of the game and wouldn't be led again.

They went up by three before Arravale again drew level. Cappawhite Gaels should've put the game to bed but fluffed their lines when it seemed easier to score. The winning score came with three minutes to go after a well worked move. Arravale had one final chance for a score from a 30-metre free but it dropped short to the keepers’ hands and the referee blew for full time.

The result means that both teams now contest the final. Arravale Rovers will be looking to win the title they have held since 2019 while Cappawhite Gaels have never won or contested a final before 2022.