Temperatures reached as high as 30 degrees on Sunday as East Celts stepped out onto the playing field to compete for a position in the final game of the Shield Competition. There was no doubt in either teams mind as to the gruelling 60 minutes that awaited them.

East Celts were first out of the traps with an early goal from Karen Bowe which was rapidly followed with a number of well taken points by corner forward Ciara Gilsenan and Jess Rodrigues. Mitchels failed to respond to a further goal from Karen Bowe and still again when Jess Rodrigues broke through defence and found the net from a close range shot.

With 13 minutes left before half time East Celts reign of terror was halted when Mitchels made some strategic changes that effectively opened up the East Celts defence. Even with the best efforts of the unyielding full back Maeve Quill, Mitchels managed to sneak in a number of unanswered goals and points. In a dramatic turn around East Celts were lucky to be only trailing by 2 points at the interval, the gap would have been even greater if it were not for a late goal in the last minute by Sarah Duncan.

Mitchels continued to dominate the second half and East Celts appeared to be certainly struggling. If it were not for the laborious efforts of midfielders Lynda Petherick and Wendy Layther, East Celts would have had a real battle on their hands. Both players fought endlessly at working the ball up the field. Lynda Petherick made a number of surging runs from centre field, which deservingly ended in her splitting the posts in the 46th minute. Seconds later the ball broke in front of the Mitchels goals, Caroline McGrogan was waiting patiently for this chance and no sooner had the ball in the back of the net. That was the turning point for East Celts as they fought back one last time. Sarah Duncan was the tormentor in chief in the half forward line and set up a number of crucial scores in the closing minutes.

As the final whistle blew East Celts were disappointed to have not pinched a win but were equally grateful for a draw. Manager Brendon Riddell ensured passion, motivation and drive within the team by not informing the girls of the predetermined result in favour of the East Celts. Overall East Celts gave a courageous display and proved yet again they are a team to be reckoned with.

Stay Classy East Celtsiago’s
Karen (The Great) Bowe !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Easts Scorers: Karen Bowe 3-3, Jess Rodrigues 1-2, Sarah Duncan 1-0, Caroline McGrogan 1-0, Ciara Gilsenan 0-2, Lynda Petherick 0-1