For the second week in a row, Aghada’s Premier Junior Camogie team made the trip to Mallow – this time to replay their previously abandoned fixture after floodlight failure had cut short the original clash. Thankfully, there was no such drama with the lights on this occasion, though the contest on the pitch was just as tense, with Aghada digging deep to secure a hard-fought two-point win.

The long journey down perhaps contributed to a sluggish start from our girls. Despite having the breeze at their backs, Aghada fell two points behind in the opening minutes before centre-back Rachel Leahy settled the nerves with a superb score from distance. Corner-forward Courtney O’Keeffe quickly followed with a smart point, and although Mallow responded, Ali Smith took charge with two well-struck frees to edge Aghada in front after 18 minutes.

Momentum was beginning to swing Aghada’s way. Cara Twomey got her name on the scoresheet after fine link-up play from Clare Walsh and Aoife Healy, while Ali added another free – this time after being fouled herself. At half time, Aghada held a 0-6 to 0-4 lead but knew a big effort was needed facing into the strong breeze.

That response came immediately on the restart. Ali slotted over a free after great battling from May Collins and Shauna Whyte around the middle. Although Mallow replied, Aghada pushed back when Ali converted from play after clever work in the corner from Abigail Ring and Isabel Barry. Just as Aghada seemed to be opening a gap, Mallow struck a fine goal to level matters and seize momentum.

It was a crucial phase of the game, but one of our  young guns, Cara Twomey showed real composure to point and restore the lead after sterling defensive work from Clodagh Walsh. Mallow hit back again, and for much of this period Aghada were grateful to their defense marshalled by Sarah Walsh, Roise Steele, and Sally McAllister who defended expertly under real pressure. A vital puckout from Carol Geaney set up another score for Ali, but Mallow weren’t done and nudged two points clear with just nine minutes to play.

The introduction of Marissa Godfrey and Isabel Colbert proved key as their fresh legs made a huge difference to both our defense and attack. Colbert made an instant impact, pointing superbly from play, before Ali levelled matters again with a free. With time running out, Ali added another excellent score to put Aghada two clear. Mallow cut the gap to one on the hour mark, but Aghada showed real grit in the dying moments. Deep into injury time, the sliotar was worked forward once more and Colbert was on hand to land her second point of the evening – the insurance score that sealed victory.

When the final whistle sounded, there was huge relief and joy among players and supporters alike. After two rounds, Aghada have two wins on the board and confidence is high heading into Wednesday’s home clash with Milford in Rostellan at 7:30pm.

This time, mercifully, the game finished before darkness fell – no floodlights required!

Aghada: Carol Geaney, Sally McAllister, Sarah Walsh, Roise Steele, Shauna Whyte, Rachel Leahy (0-1), Clodagh Walsh, Aoife Healy, Abigail Ring, Isabel Barry, Ali Smith (0-8), Cara, Twomey (0-2), May Collins, Clare Walsh, Courtney O’Keeffe (0-1).
Subs: Marissa Godfrey, Isabel Colbert (0-2), Clodagh Twomey, Claire Byrne.