In preparation for the forthcoming Connacht community games match tomorrow, Saturday in Ballinasloe, the Gurteen/ Ballymacward side who represent Galway, took on their mams in a spirited Mams vs Gals game yesterday evening with nothing spared by either side. Cobwebs were shaken off boots, togs were resurrected, the best tops were taken out as the mams prepared themselves for the showdown. A fun evening was had by all. Match report by team manager Zoe Kennedy.
Our U12 Girls were in high spirits last night as they played against a rather different team than they are used to…..their mams!
The game was tightly contested with the mams making the early chances and taking the lead with a great goal from their captain, Alisha McNamara. They then increased their lead to 2-0, however their impressive start was short lived as Lucy fired the ball into the net following a great set-up from Ella and Aoife. This was followed shortly after with an equalizing goal from Grace Mitchell. Lily and Grace set up a great ball for Shona who saw her chance and scored to put the girls into the lead.
The mums put in a fantastic effort with some super footwork and passing, but a shirt pulling incident by Dorothy Scarry (on her own daughter) resulted in a yellow card for the mams. It didn’t dampen their mood too much as Liz soon scored to make the score 3-3!
There was a superb display of goal keeping by both Honor Tuohy and Tara Roberts. The scores would surely have been a lot higher without their gallant efforts. Also, it was a combination of great defensive skills by both Shona and Ellathat stopped a number of potential goals from Diane, Niamh and Alisha. Libby and Della, together, managed to run rings around a tiring defence resulting in Della Griffin sneaking a goal in past Miriam and then the goalkeeper.
With some fancy footwork skills Niamh created some great chances for the mams but Lucy Roberts was always hot on her heals to bring the ball back down the field for the girls. A penalty was awarded to the girls for a blatant handball by Diane which Lucy blasted into the back if the net!
With 2 minutes to spare the mams brought the score to 6-5 to the girls but all too soon the final whistle was blown and the girls were ecstatic with their well deserved win!! Thank you to everyone who took part in an amazing and somewhat entertaining game!
We ask everyone in the parish to come out tomorrow to support these girls in Ballinasloe where they take on St. Feichin’s (Sligo) 12noon KO. Representing your county is no mean feat. Best of luck to a fantastic bunch who have only started playing soccer in a few short months.