Apple women roll past Hub counterparts

N.Y. Women 0-13

Boston 0-2

By Frank Brady

By the time the last game on the schedule rolled around, the temperature had dropped and the sun had disappeared. The effects of the earlier time delays became all the more palpable as most seemed to head for warmer environs. However, a few hardy souls, especially those with a natural immunity to frigid weather and those with obvious amorous obligations, remained to watch the clash of the New York and Boston women. The New Yorkers came in full force, backed up with a bunch of solid substitutes.

New York were first to score as the versatile and prolific scorer Sue Bennett opened their account. However, Kathy McEleney quickly threaded a ball through to Paula Callaghan, who was fouled. Sinead Walsh pointed the free. Boston went ahead on a great point from their center forward, Charlotte Curran. Boston were now in the lead and were availing fully of their few opportunities. However, that was to be their last score for the game. New York had now moved up a gear and were cutting roads through the Boston rearguard. However, a period of squandermania and tentative shooting allowed Boston to stay ahead. Eventually New York began to hit the target and two points from Ger Mahon, and singles from Deano Doherty and Jo Ann McKenna ended the first half with the local ladies leading 5 points to 2.

At the break New York began to substitute freely with little change in the pattern of the game. The New Yorkers were dominant in every sector of the field. Sue Bennett tacked on a brace of points while Mary McGuire sallied forward from center back to score a great point. Ten minutes into the second half New York had doubled their first-half production to lead by 10 points to 2. Indeed, they could have been further ahead as Deano Doherty could afford the luxury of blasting a penalty over the bar. Perhaps a good indication of New York’s territorial supremacy was the failure of the Boston women to get the ball beyond midfield until the final 10 minutes.

In fairness to Boston, they didn’t throw in the towel; they battled in spite of the insurmountable lead. New York cruised to the final whistle with additional scores coming from Paula Carroll, Cathy McKenna, and Aida Kiernan.

Overall, it was an impressive performance with rock-solid defensive displays by Mairead McGahon, Mary McGuire, and Louis McMahon; Ger Mahon patrolled the middle like a fiefdom, while Boston could do little to contain a rampant attack spearhead by Sue Bennett with good support from the cast of Deano Doherty, Jo Ann McKenna, Nuala Carrall, and Justine Clifford among others. Despite being soundly beaten throughout the field, Charlotte Curran, Kathy McEleney, Lynn Cahill, Maureen O’Connor, and Sinead Walsh never gave up.

New York: Sharon Levins, Frances Brennan, Mairead McGahon, Eleanor Fox, Theresa Lynch, Mary McGuire, Louis McMahon, Irene Deehan, Ger Mahon, Varina Carey, Sue Bennett, Nuala Carroll, Rosie Reilly, Deano Doherty, Jo An McKenna. Subs: Anita McKenna, Cathy McKenna, Colette McElliogiot, Karen O’Grady, Pauline Coleman, Justine Clifford, Caroline O’Sullivan, Aine Cullen, Catriona Lynch, Aida Kiernan, Shivaun Neville.

Boston: Claire Murphy, Caroline Herrity, Maureen O’Connor, Kathleen Rohan, Nicola Smith, Joan Rein, Lynn Cahill, Regina Finnegan, Kathy McEleney, Sarah Roach, Charlotte Curran, Mairead Walsh, Jeanette Murphy, Paula Callaghan, Sinead Walsh. Subs: Beri Costello, Pauline Collins, Jeanette Murphy, Paula Murphy, Eileen McDonagh, Karen Davilt.