Rathcline lose out to St. Laurence’s

St Laurence’s from Co Kildare defeated the Rathcline ladies in the Leinster Junior Club Football Championship semi-final on Saturday last in Kilcullen. Confidence was high in the Rathcline camp with two tough wins in the previous rounds of the competition. The first half was played at a frenetic pace. Both teams traded scores with the Kildare’s team full-forward-line looking dangerous from open play.

Rathcline started brightly with two points from Jo Donlon and Alison Smyth settling the visitors nerves. But St. Laurence’s then hit their stride and responded with a point and then a penalty which was scored by their impressive captain and full-forward, Lorraine Bowes, who ended up with 2-5 to her credit.

Jo Donlon kept Rathcline in touch with a great long range point. The Kildare team were adding scores at will midway through the first half. Four of the St. Laurence’s forward line were on the scoresheet and the Rathcline backs were under considerable pressure. A second goal for St Laurence’s was registered in the 17th minute.

Rathcline, to their credit, needed a goal and got one courtesy of Claire Greene. This was followed by two well taken points by Paula Kenny and Alison Smyth and the Longford champions only found themselves one point down at the break on a scoreline of 1-7 to 2-5.

To read the full match report, pick up a copy of this week’s Longford Leader.