Kilclief bow out of Ulster

Kilclief bow out of Ulster

15 December 2021

KILCLIEF’S bid for a place in the Bridie McMenamin Shield final ended in defeat on home soil at St Malachy’s Park. 

The match started well for the Down champions, who donned the county colours instead of Kilclief’s traditional red and green. 

In the third minute, Zara Burns advanced in a sweeping attack from the left wing that brought her into a central position to score the opening goal of the match in favour of the local side. 

Just three minutes later, Magherafelt’s Sinead Comer replied with a brace of scores that included a converted point from a free followed by a goal from a dipping shot over the head of the Kilclief ‘keeper.

The game was tied again on the 11th minute when Zara Burns add a point to her score tally. The match was tight and both sides probing attacks materialised into scoring chances. 

Both teams added another point apiece just before the first water-break to leave the tie level.

Kilclief’s Cara Doran registered a point after catching a long free from Grainne Clendenning, although Magherafelt equalised though Brid Coogian. 

The home team fell a point behind as Dearbhla Walls scored a point of her own.

Points were again exchanged after the restart with Kilclief’s Eimear Dorrian registering a terrific score after a solo run through the central channel. 

Magherafelt retained their lead when Sinead Comer scored from the left corner side. Half-time: Kilclief Ben Dearg 1-3 Magherafelt 1-4.

Magherafelt were now aware that they were needing to produce good attacking camogie to topple this game Kilclief outfit. 

The Kilclief defenders were equal in stopping numerous opposing charges as well as ‘keeper Jordan Hynds notably pulling off a trio of excellent saves. 

Unfortunately, the experience of Magherafelt became evident and they began winning more of the ball. Their talisman scorer converted 1- 2 from play against Kilclief’s single point coming from Cara Doran. 

In the final quarter Magherafelt shut out Kilclief completely and scored two further goals.

As the final whistle blew, the Kilclief girls knew they had run their championship trail. 

However, Magherafelt were made to work hard for three quarters of the game and the local girls had done themselves, their families, their club and their county proud.

Kilclief scorers:  Zara Burns (1-1), Cara Doran (0-2), Niamh Galloway (1-0), Eimear Dorrian (0-1).