Thursday, March 19, 2009

New name to grace Russell as Iognaid deny Andrew's on strokes

Colaiste Iognaid squeaked through a thrilling Pool A after nothing could separate the Connacht school from Ballymena Academy and St Andrew's over three games. The latter pair began the tournament with a 1-1 draw, a score matched by Colaiste Iognaid and Ballymena.

It meant the winner of Andrew's and Jesuits would be guaranteed passage to the final but once again a winner couldn't be found in the hour. The sides were locked at 1-1 for long periods after Katie Codyre and Gillian Pinder exchanged goals which would have caused a major jumble to decide the final group placings.

However, Chloe Watkins' drag-flick broke the deadlock going into the final ten minutes but Colaiste Iognaid tied the game up with an audacious corner move. Katie Codyre produced a mind-boggling swivel at the top of the D to switch-left past the first runner and Brenda Flannery did the rest.

The 2-2 draw eliminated Ballymena on goals scored, meaning a straight penalty shoot-out between the Saints and Iognaid. A flawless set of strokes from the Connacht school saw them advance 4-2, Flannery once again netting the winning penalty.

Pool B also went down to the final game. Tournament newcomers Foyle and Londonderry opened up with a 2-1 win, inspired by Megan Frazer (pictured, right), over Loreto Wexford. Loreto responded with a 1-0 win over Bandon.

Bandon could still go through with a two-goal win. Anything else and Foyle would go through. The Ulster side dominated proceedings with Frazer giving her side the lead. However, Olivia Roycroft equalised and an incredible defensive effort, combined with Emma White's outstanding performance between the posts meant Bandon held on for a hard-earned point.

Classification Schedule:
5th/6th playoff: Ballymena v Bandon, 9.30am
3rd/4th playoff: St Andrews v Loreto Wexford, 11.15am
Final: Colaiste Iognaid v Foyle & Londonderry, 1pm

* For more pictures from today's action, click here

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