St Kevin’s camogs continue to improve

28 July 2021

OFFICIALLY established in 1901, Ballela GAC is 120 years old this year and that strong tradition is displayed each and every time the green and gold jerseys take to the field.

St Kevin’s are at the other end of the spectrum in terms of milestones and anniversaries, but are nonetheless showing signs of maturity.

Holly Carville made her debut for the club, never putting a foot wrong, ably supported by fellow half backs Colleen Noade and Brooklyn Flanagan.

Behind that trio stood a full back line that’s improving with each game.

Megan Ferris, Maria Gilchrist and Jade Casement went toe to toe with a dynamic Éire Ógs forward unit that was competing in Division One just a couple of seasons ago.

Tactically, this team is also evolving, operating with a two-player full forward line of Aisling McClements and Siobhan McKeown, with the modus operandi of creating space in the channels and wide areas for Maria Rogan and the pacey Lauren McGivern.

This also allowed Maria Ryan the freedom to roam and thrive in a free role. Another player who kept the Ballela rearguard guessing was Rhona Gordon, who was finding pockets of space everywhere, one minute producing turn overs in defence, the next launching another attack.

Toni Casement’s puck out strategy continues to get stronger as she continues to build a solid relationship with her defence.

In the midfield sector, Aimee Greene and Lee Anne Canavan were once again resolute. Canavan has the tactical nous to know when to sit and hold, allowing Greene the license to venture forward with surging runs of support to the forward line.

St Kevin’s high wide tally meant the halftime scoreboard reflected kindly on Ballela.

There was a sense that they would make the home side pay for that lack of efficiency, which they duly did with a purple patch at the beginning of the second half that saw them reel of impressive scores from distance to extend their lead.

Whilst the final scoreline doesn’t do justice to the game as a contest, it does provide perspective.

In Ballela Park the scoreline was exactly double that of last night’s return scoreline in St Colman’s Park.

The evolving improvement process is evident and everyone is making a contribution.

The St Kevin’s players introduced made an impact, with Laura Greene netting a superbly taken goal.

Andrea Murphy, Laura Larkin, Sharon Taylor, Edel Kearney, Laura and Jenny Greene all got valuable game time.

Next week St Kevin’s travel away to Newry Shamrocks for another tough fixture, throw-in time 7.15pm.

St Kevin’s 1-4

Ballela Eire Ógs 4-10

DEAN DAVIS LEAGUE DIV 3

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