In UCD last Friday, the girls from Mount Anville played their final group stage match of the championship in a must-win tie. On a cold, bitter morning, Mount Anville played into a strong breeze in the first half.
With the defence of Siobhan Leonard, Isobel Bailie, Sophie Porcu, Kiera Costello, Alice Brosnan and Lily Martin standing strong, they restricted the opposition to just 1–2 in the first half. The midfield pairing of Lauren Heraty and Isla Conlon worked hard, making numerous excellent solo runs and consistently linked up well with the forward line.
The half forward line of Grace Jolly, Annie McAuliffe and Maia Russell also worked tirelessly, often coming deep to carry the ball forward in the first half. Emma McGuane at full forward caused problems for the St Raphaela’s defence with her pace and strong play on the ball, and following an excellent run and shot on goal, rattled the crossbar after some good link play with Hillary Daly.
Daly was clinical in front of goal, registering the only scores of the half for Mount Anville with two well-taken goals to leave them leading by the minimum at half time.
Conlon was replaced at half time and was a huge loss as she made her way to Three Rock, where she is a vital part of the Mount Anville hockey team that faced Wesley College in the Leinster final later that day.
Despite having the breeze at their backs in the second half, Mount Anville found it difficult to put daylight between themselves and their opponents as the St Raphaela’s girls rallied with some strong play, registering four points and also rattling the post.
Mount Anville had their chances, however they were just short of the target on numerous occasions, registering nine wides in conditions that made scores difficult to come by. Eve Downey came off the bench and struck the post with a shot that seemed goal-bound following a darting run.
Emma Dillion worked tirelessly in the forward line and hit the net with ten minutes to go to keep Mount Anville in the lead. Peggy Meehan in goals was called upon on many occasions in the second half, dealing effortlessly with high balls dropping into the square. Her safe hands and excellent distribution ensured St Raphaela’s never took the lead in a tight game.
Daly again made the difference in the second half as she hit the net once more and also scored a beautifully taken point following a solo run from an angle. Her tally of 3–1 would have been enough for the win, as Mount Anville ran out winners in difficult conditions on a scoreline of 4–1 to 1–6.
Mount Anville had some excellent performances. Captain Bailie was particularly impressive in defence, as was Leonard, as they stifled many St Raphaela’s attacks with interceptions, strength on the ball and excellent distribution to teammates. Costello, Brosnan and Martin worked very effectively as a unit and stood strong against a potent attack. Heraty worked tirelessly in the middle of the park, as did McAuliffe at centre forward.
However, the performance of the match had to go to Hillary Daly, whose prolific scoring was the difference. She showed her attacking talent throughout the game, constantly causing problems for the opposition. On a day when scores were difficult to come by, every time she drove down on goal she ensured the net rattled, and she also hit a fine point in the second half when Mount Anville needed a score.
Conlon and Brosnan also highlighted the true value of teamwork, each playing an important role for the team on the day despite having a hockey final later that afternoon. Their willingness to give their all for the team before heading to another big match showed great commitment and underlined how every player playing their part contributes to the overall success of the team. Brosnan was the hero later that afternoon as she saved no fewer than four penalties as the hockey final went to 1v1s against Alexandra College.
Mount Anville topped the group with maximum points and now progress to the Quarter Finals which will likely take place on the week of the 23rd-27th March.
Squad & Scorers:
Peggy Meehan; Siobhan Leonard; Isobel Bailie; Sophie Porcu; Kiera Costello; Alice Brosnan; Lily Martin; Lauren Heraty; Isla Conlon; Grace Jolly; Annie McAuliffe; Maia Russell; Emma Dillion (1–0); Emma McGuane; Hillary Daly (3–1); Erika O'Mahony; Moya Bourke; Ciara Buckley; Emma McHugh; Charlotte Costello; Emily Mason; Eve Downey; Amber Enright; Leia Hennigan.