Boardsmill Division 2 Ladies got their campaign off to the perfect start with a well-earned 2-9 to 1-6 win over Walterstown on a pitch that, considering the monsoon conditions of the past few weeks, was in fine shape — fair play to the groundskeeper, we owe you one 👏🌧️

There was a huge boost before throw-in with the return of the fantastic Emma Troy (we’re absolutely delighted to have her back in blue and white), along with Aideen Guy who continues to make the long commute from the west — dedication levels: elite 🚗

Boardsmill couldn’t have asked for a better start, racing into a 2-4 lead straight out of the blocks. The full-back line of Soricha Cogan, Hannah Kealey and Niamh Purcell mixed youth with experience seamlessly, keeping the Walterstown forwards well in check. A special mention to young Niamh — one of the youngest on the pitch but you wouldn’t have guessed it by her performance. A serious display and plenty more to come from her this year 👏

Between the posts, Ciara Ashe stood tall. Apart from a top-class penalty (no stopping that one), she was rock solid. Out the field, the engines of Kate McEvoy and Nicole Troy at wing back were in overdrive all evening — every forward’s nightmare trying to keep up with the two of them tracking back and driving on attack.

Walterstown rallied before half time and narrowed the gap to four, but a strong half-time reset saw Boardsmill take control again. The second half was marked by relentless pressure from Emma Troy, Susan Kealey, Paula Dorian, Claudia Durkan, Anna May Cribbin and Amy Troy, keeping the Walterstown defence under serious strain.

Walterstown’s number 6 did pop over a fine point (which may or may not have been flirting with the two-point arc 👀), but it was Boardsmill who finished strongest. A brilliantly worked team score finished by Kym McGrath, along with further scores from Amy Troy and Laura Dempsey, sealed the win.

Scorers:
L. Dempsey (1-4), C. Durkan (1-0), A. Troy (0-2), S. Kealey (0-2), K. McGrath (0-1)

Final whistle blown, two points secured, and the girls refuelled afterwards with a well-earned mineral in Marcies 🕺

Next up: St. Ultans in two weeks. The work continues 💙🤍