U16s suffer opening-round loss to Down

Ulster U16 Championship Round 1

Cavan 3-9

Down 5-13

Aideen Coyle

Reigning Ulster and All Ireland champions Cavan got their season off to a rocky start as they suffered an opening round defeat to a well drilled and ruthless Down side on Saturday. Down hit 1-3 without reply in the opening five minutes which helped them to a six-point lead at half-time. It then became an uphill battle for the visitors as Down scored 1-8 unanswered after the resumption.

The hosts raced into an early six-point lead with scores from Clodagh Simpson, Anna McArdle and Annie McEvoy inside the opening five minutes. Cavan replied instantly with two in quick succession from Abby Reilly and Niamh McCaffrey but another from McEvoy left four between the teams. Midway through the half a beautiful team goal finished by Sarah McAvinney put the minimum between the counties.

Magee hit a second before Down were awarded their first of two penalties which went wide.

The outstanding Reilly cut the deficit back to one before Down were awarded another penalty for a foot block with goalkeeper Fainche Higgins being sent to the sin-bin as a result. Substitute goalkeeper Cadhla Moffitt pulled off a fantastic save from the spot to keep Cavan in the tie.

With 27 minutes played the sides were level for the first and only time in the contests as McCaffrey pointed following a brilliant interception from the hardworking Gia McCabe in the Cavan backline.

The sides were only momentarily level as Down finished the half strongest hitting 2-01 whilst Cavan’s McCaffrey pointed a free to leave it a two-goal game at half time 3-05 to 1-05.

Straight from the throw-in Cavan were dealt a sucker blow as Down hit Cavan’s net for the fourth time.

The goal spurred the hosts to life as they went on to score the next eight points opening up a commanding 17-point lead midway through the half as Orla Owens and Clodagh Simpson gave an exhibition in shooting. The score could have been much more but for two fantastic saves by Fainche Higgins and brilliant defending from Cavan’s standout performer on the day Caitlin Crowe.

Substitute Molly Smith worked well for Cavan off the bench and added their opening score in the 18th minute but once again the hosts made a quick reply with their fifth and final goal.

Another outstanding performance came from forward Abby Reilly who was superb all game for Cavan. The Knockbride clubwoman finished the game strong scoring 2-1 to finish with a personal tally of 2-3 whilst two more points from Niamh McCaffrey finished the scoring for the Breffni women.

There is still plenty of football left to be played and up next for Michael Lee’s side is a home game against neighbours Monaghan on the 9th March.

Cavan: Fainche Higgins, Emma Mulligan, Annie Crowe, Sorcha Farrelly, Gia McCabe, Caitlin Crowe, Ciara Brennan, Emilia Mussi (C), Kyra Comiskey, Lola Matthews, Abby Reilly 2-03, Isabella Hall, Niamh McCaffrey 0-05 (2f), Sarah McAvinney 1-00, Katie McGahern

Subs used: Brianna Quaile, Kate McSeain, Shauna Brady, Molly Smith 0-01

Down: Cadhla Faloon, Lucy Elmore, Helen McGeogh, Farrah May Morgan, Ellen Farrell, Maia Murdock, Hannah Cassin, Cliodhna McGrath, Isa McCarron, Annie McEvoy, Lily Magee, Zara Kelly, Orla Owens, Clodagh Simpson, Anna McArdle