Published: Wednesday, 4th November, 2009 5:00pm

Decisive win for Virginia

Virginia strode to an impressive win against Drumkilly at Kingspan Breffni Park in the Division 1 Camogie League final. Both teams played with determination on a cloudy, peaceful autumn evening and the spectators enjoyed skilful camogie in ideal conditions.

Virginia's courageous play left Drumkilly breathing a sigh of relief at half time. It was the opportunity for the Drumkilly mentors to give inspiration to their team to play their best for the final 15 minutes.

Drumkilly felt that the final they had reached was going to be a tough battle. The first score of the game came from Nicole McCormac of Virginia, who executed a superb goal. This was followed shortly afterwards by another goal, this time from Catherine Dolan. Despite their superior play, Virginia only managed two goals in the first half and this showed that the efforts of the girls from Drumkilly paid off. The Drumkilly forwards had few scoring opportunities and their backs were kept busy defending their own half of the field.

Whatever was said at half time gave inspiration to Drumkilly as they began to attack the Virginia back line. Attack followed attack and a goal could have changed the impetus of the game.

The skilful Virginia back line could not be penetrated however, and when Joy Denning scored two more goals for Virginia it spelt the end of the fightback.

Goalkeeper Thérése O'Dwyer made some brilliant saves for Virginia and backs Ciara Gaffney, Ciara Brady and Amy Gaynor protected the goal area well. Joint captains Joy Denning and Kara O'Rourke accepted the trophy on behalf of the team from Cumann na mBunscol secretary Aiden McCabe. Drumkilly showed great determination and they never gave up. Their day will come!

Drumkilly: Ellie smith, Claire Boylan, Michaela Leddy, Maria Conaty, Shannon Maguire, Shannon Leddy, Cait smith, Annie Smith (captain), Fainche O'Reilly.

Virginia: Thérése O'Dwyer, Ciara Gaffney, Ciara Brady, Amy Gaynor, catherine Dolan, Kara O'Rourke, Nicole McCormac, Joy Denning, Edith Lynch, Ciara Lynch, Chloe MacElhenny, Danielle Clarke, Ashling Kearny, Elyce Brady.

Player of the match: Catherine Dolan, Virginia.

For more Cumann na mBunscoil reports and pictures, see this week's Anglo-Celt.