SAUL Ladies gaelic footballers made history as they edged past Fr Rocks to reach the semi-finals of the Ulster Ladies’ Intermediate Championship.
Crowned Down champions for the first time just a few weeks ago, they belied their lack of experience at this level and saw off Tyrone champs Fr Rocks by 5-3 to 4-1.
Saul had home advantage, but any benefits ruled out at they battle through the wind and driving rain.
But the game did not go to plan from the off.
The hosts found themselves trailing as their opponents grabbed an early goal in the opening stages before adding two more in quick succession before half-time.
Saul may have had their backs against the wall, but were determined to fight their way back, finding a goal and two points to narrow the gap to five at the interval.
The first-time quarter-finalists found another gear in the second half, knowing that if they were to make it to the next round, they would have to outscore their Cookstown opponents.
Four more goals would come in the second period courtesy of Catherine Byrne and three from Cora Byrne-Convery to cancel out two goals from their opponents.
Saul fought hard all over the pitch as they dug deep to seal victory, their efforts typified by a brave last-ditch block from goalkeeper Orlagh Carson.
Saul will now be hoping for more of the same, perhaps with a more comfortable scoreline, as they aim to continue their historic run.
They have home advantage once more when they take on Monaghan champs Carrickmacross at St Patrick’s Park this sunday at 2pm.
Carrickmacross will go into the match as favourites after registering a whopping 6-17 as they dispatched Fermanagh champions Tempo.
A big crowd is expected at St Patrick’s Park in the hope of seeing the Saul girls move one step closer to glory.