On a nice evening for football the BSJ senior ladies entertained Clann Mhuire in front of their home support under lights at Ballinteer Community School’s All-Weather Pitch. Last year BSJ faced the same opposition in the semi-final out in the Naul and, despite leading for prolonged periods, lost out to the home side at the death. So we were expecting another close and tight encounter.

From the off it was clear that this year was a different script and shows the progress made by this team over 12 months. Winning the throw in and working a slick forward move the girls in Tangerine were on the score sheet within 35 seconds. A great start. BSJ quickly established control around the middle third putting the Clann Mhuire players under constant pressure. Clann Mhuire were still extremely dangerous on the break, so the BSJ defenders had to be vigilant and alert. I have watched this team developed a steeliness that has taken time to build and it’s clear the pupils are keen to learn. In the case of this eager-to-learn group, it has bred a striking conviction that you can feel on the sideline. In Star Wars parlance, the Force was with them, and the influence of their Yoda-like coaching team was apparent. On Wednesday night, the young Padawans did good!

This was a strong Clann Mhuire team with some classy players making sweet off-the-shoulder runs that were a joy to watch at times. They also kicked early and accurately to the full-forward line. Yet despite this, the BSJ ladies managed to control the play. At the half time break BSJ led 1-08 to 1-05, including a super goal finish from Lauren Burke and notable for well taken scores from play by Alana Doran (0-2) and Orlagh Nolan (0-3). The slight worry was that the score didn’t reflect the BSJ dominance which left it all to play for on the change of ends. 

The second period followed the pattern of the first, BSJ with the lion’s share of the ball but CM looking dangerous when they broke quickly. Throughout the game you felt that any drop in concentration would have been punished by Clann Mhuire. They would have thrived on any BSJ weakness and at no point in the first 50 minutes could the BSJ supporters relax. Just when we felt in control, Clann Mhuire would come back at us like a decked fighter, still throwing good punches. Respect to the BSJ ladies for their composure and played some beautiful football – a pleasure to watch. With the game still in the balance a super team move saw Alana Doran finish a rasping shot to the back of the Clann Mhuire net which finally settled the outcome.

Congratulations to Alana Doran on her performance as POTM with a captain’s contribution in general play and 1-04 on the scoreboard. Well done Alana. Also a shout out to Claire Egan who looks after the jerseys and was recognised by the players for her support all through the year after the game. 

Next game is a FINAL, and let’s face it, BSJ parents and supporters love finals! AND the good news is that it’s at home on Wednesday, 1 October, on AWP @ 7.30. 

Come out and support the BSJ girls, it’d be great to get a large home support next week for this group of players.