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On Wednesday, the 25^th of February, the U14 girls, played their fourth and final group game against Ballinrobe in a top-of -the – table clash in Claremorris. Both schools had won all their previous games and were guaranteed progression through to the Connaught semi-final. However, there was more than ‘bragging rights’ at stake as the group winners would receive a home tie in the semi-final and play the runners-up of the other group.

St Nathy’s began brightly and created an early chance, which they just failed to convert. The rest of the half was even, although Nathy’s had most of the possession. The break-through came just before the break, when a Ballinrobe defender was judged slightly unluckily to have blocked a shot with her hand and we were awarded a penalty. Orla Molloy confidently dispatched the ball low into the net and Nathy’s went in at half- time one goal ahead.

Ballinrobe started the second half strongly and dominated mid-field for a period. But the Nathy’s defence was resolute, and no clear chances were created by the home team. Then we made a sweeping move on the counter-attack, which ended with Ciara McCann bundling the ball into the net at the second attempt. Thereafter, we dominated and created a great chance to put the game out of Ballinrobe’s reach when a Ballinrobe defender tripped one of our strikers in the penalty box and the ref pointed to the spot for the second time. Ciara opted to take this spot kick, but her shot went narrowly wide.  However, the insurance goal came shortly afterwards as Jennifer shot powerfully into the roof of the net.

The Nathy’s coaches, Ms. Powell and Mr. Nealon made a series of change for the closing minutes and their defence came under some pressure. Natasha Jackson however was determined that the clean sheet would be preserved, and she executed a series of timely tackles in her penalty box, before the referee blew the final whistle.

So, St. Nathy’s emerged with a 3-0 victory to keep their winning run intact and finished top of the table. They now have a home game against  Colaiste Corrib in the Connaught Semi-Final at a date yet to decided. Their coaches are very proud of what the girls have achieved to date and are looking forward to the next match.