James Stephens advance to Intermediate Final with win over Mullinavat

James Stephens 2-17     Mullinavat 0-14

By Noleen Delahunty

The second Shaws Intermediate Championship semi final got underway in Thomastown on Sunday at 1pm – James Stephens v Mullinavat.

It was the Village girls who got the better start with 2 points from free taker Sophie O Dwyer along with 2 points from play and was added to by points from play from Tara McGuire and corner forward Rachel Leahy who also scored an early goal. Mullinavat had three frees converted by their free taker Hannah Dunphy who also scored a point from play, which kept them in touching distance at the 1st water break where the score was James Stephens 1-6 Mullinavat 0-4

In the second quarter Hannah Dunphy scored 2 points from placed balls, full forward for Mullinavat Leann Fennelly scored a great point from a difficult angle and a point from Jessica Dunphy helped Mullinavat get back into the game. A goal chance by Mullinavat’s Leanne Fennelly was superbly saved by James Stephens goalkeeper Lucy McGrath who also saved the rebound from Aoife Woods.  This lifted the James Stephens team and Niamh Deely scored a point from play and Sophie O Dwyer pointed 2 frees leaving the half time score James Stephens 1-9 Mullinavat 8 points.

After half time Mullinavat’s corner forward Aoife Woods had a great chance of a goal but had to settle for a point after great pressure from the Village full back line. Jessica Dunphy scored a point from play and Hannah Dunphy scored 2 points from frees. James Stephens Sophie O Dwyer scored a point from a free. This brought the Mullinavat girls within 1 point of their opponents. Corner forward Rachel Leahy scored a point followed by points from Emma Manogue and 2 pts (frees) from Sophie O Dwyer. Niamh Deely scored 1-1 in quick succession which increased the James Stephens lead once again.

Heading into the last quarter James Stephens led by 2-14 to Mullinavat’s 12 points and the Village girls pushed on to score 3 more points Anna Doheny (1) & Emma Manogue (2) with Mullinavat scoring 1 point from a free and 1 point from play for Julieann Malone. Overall, James Stephens were the stronger team on the day but the girls from the Rod Iron Village battled hard to the end. Final score James Stephens 2-17 Mullinavat 0-14

Scorers J. Stephens: Sophie O Dwyer 0-8 (6 f), Rachel Leahy 1-2, Emma Manogue 0-3, Niamh Deely

1-2, Tara McGuire 0-1, Anna Doheny 0-1

Mullinavat: Hannah Dunphy 0-9 (8 f), Jessica Dunphy 0-2, Leann Fennelly 0-1, Aoife Woods 0-1, Julie Ann Malone 0-1