Ballincollig U18 Girls v Crosshaven U18 Girls    
South Munster League 2.2.08

The match proved to be a very positive experience for the local girls after some tough defeats before Christmas from teams playing longer than them.  Coaches Robbie Ormond and Theresa Nolan were delighted with the young teams performance, which showed some great progression and improvement.  Crosshaven started the stronger, recycling the ball well at the breakdown and displaying some good support play.  With time Ballincollig settled and started to organise themselves better and started putting in some good tackles and putting some pressure on the Crosshaven out half and backs.  However Crosshaven continued to pass well and looped around to score under the posts.  From the restart Crosshaven attacked again and it wasnt long before they had their second try which was competently converted.  Ballincollig really came into the game after this score and started showing what they are capable of.  Keeping the ball tight the girls made inroads into Crosshavens defence and started gaining some territory.  Strong support play and ball carrying from Niamh Murphy, Ava OLeary and Roisín Ormond was complemented by some incisive running from Charlotte Nolan and Maria Barry.  Ballincollig found themselves in the oppositions 22 and were pushing hard for to score.  Unfortunately Ava OLearys richly deserved score was disallowed for double movement but the girls took heart from the efforts into the second half.
The second half was more stop start than the first which damaged the game somewhat.  As the second half developed Ballincollig continued to defend well and keep a threatening Crosshaven at bay.  Both sets of players were growing in confidence and team captain Megan Henchin lead by example with some good hits and ball carries.  Amy Leahy and Siobhan Palmer continued to ruck hard and were unlucky not to force some more turnovers. Crosshaven continued to put pressure on the Ballincolligs 22 but Ballincollig must be commended for limiting the opposition to just one more try.  Kate Healy came on as a late substitute for the injured Orla Horgan and threw herself into the game admirably.  We all wish Orla a speedy recovery from a broken nose.
After the game the Ballincollig girls were happy with their display and are looking forward to their next game with renewed confidence.  The girls commitment and hard training is really beginning to show and with time this side will be challenging the stronger teams in the South Munster section.

Ballincollig: Charlotte Nolan, Roisín Ormond, Niamh Murphy, Ava O Leary, Megan Henchin (Capt), Orla Horgan, Kate Healy, Amy Leahy, Siobhan Palmer, Maria Barry