Newcestown finish strong to win crown

Newcestown 2-14 

Enniskeane 1-8

BY SHIRLEY MOLONEY

NEWCESTOWN found another gear to finish with a strong closing quarter and claim the county intermediate camogie league title at Bandon on Sunday.

Enniskeane were within a point of Newcestown with 20 minutes remaining, however, try as they might they just couldn’t penetrate the resilient Newcestown defence to add to their tally despite a gallant effort.

It took six minutes for a score to be registered, from Enniskeane’s Orla Cronin. Two minutes later, an on-form Colleen Long slotted over a placed ball from 45 metres and then she put her side ahead with two more, one a free.

Enniskeane had yet to find their momentum, however, an opportunistic goal from Cronin put Enniskeane one clear on 18. Long drew the sides level when she slotted over a 45m free before Cronin pointed a great effort to see Enniskeane nudge ahead once again. A super long-range free by Orla Coughlan from just inside the 65 metre line ensured Enniskeane went back in front, but Newcestown were to take the lead once more.

Four minutes from the break, a great piece of play from Colette Desmond saw her set up Long, who made no mistake in rattling the Enniskeane net and two points, from Desmond and Long, had them three ahead. Cronin and Coughlan pointed for Enniskeane as the half finished, leaving Newcestown 1-6 to 1-5 in front at the interval.

Upon the resumption, Coughlan and Long exchanged points before Cronin slotted over after some great control and stick work to draw the sides level at 1-7 apiece on 32.  Suzanne Deasy, marshalling the Newcestown defence from centre back, pointed a superb long-range free to once again see Newcestown ahead and two from placed balls by Long – either side of a Mannix point –  saw Newcestown hold a two-point lead heading into the closing 15 minutes. 

From there, Newcestown kicked on and an unanswered 1-4 made the game safe for them. O’Mahony, Meabh O’Donovan and Long (two frees) all had points before O’Donovan sealed the deal when her shot from 30 metres looped into the side of the net, ensuring they would take the honours.

Scorers    

Newcestown: C Long 1-10 (5 45, 3f), M O’Donovan 1-1, H O’Mahony, C Desmond, S Deasy 0-1 (f) each. 

Enniskeane: O Cronin 1-4, O Coughlan 0-3f, L Mannix 0-1.

Newcestown: O Dinneen; B O’Leary, F Deasy, A Crowley; M Lynch, S Deasy, A O’Donovan; T McCarthy, M O’Donovan; Z Griffen, E Crowley, H O’Mahony; C Desmond, M Keneally, C Long.

Sub: C O’Leary for O’Mahony (49, injured).

Enniskeane: C O’Donovan; K O’Shea, D Carroll, C Nyhan; C O’Donovan, C O’Mahony, K Scannell; S Curtin, O Coughlan; M O’Regan, R Scannell, L Mannix; S Hurley, O Cronin, K Scannell.

Subs: A Everard for O’Shea, K Hennessy for K Scannell (both half-time).

Referee: C Egan (Glen Rovers).