Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green 0-9 - 4-6 Mount Anville
Mount Anville have succeeded in securing a place in a Leinster Final, with a scintillating victory over south Dublin rivals, Loreto on the Green. A trojan performance from our talented ladies ensured that Mount Anville would reach the final stage of the competition for the first time ever, a testiment to the hard work and perserverence from a truly unique group of young women.
Playing into a fierce gale in the first half, Mount Anville had to dig deep and rely heavily on their defence, with goalkeeper Rachel McClafferty making a string of saves to keep the team in the ascendancy. Full back Holly Hogan was Herculean in her performance in leading from the back, and ensured that the defence would not yield a goal while she could draw breath.
Leading by 2 points going into the second half, Mount Anville were immediately thrown onto the backfoot, enduring wave after wave of Loreto pressure, yet held resolute and strong. Chances were at a premium, but it was to be Mount Anville's day with Flora McDonald and Jessie Ryan once again taking advantage of the space in the counter attack, and with 2 goals towards the end of the second half, the victory was eventually sealed.
Mount Anville can now look forward to opponents from Drogheda in the final which should prove to be a momentous occasion for all involved.
S.Rogers