Hermes take U-16 title: cup final wrap

Hermes U-16 bounced back from initial elimination to claim the Jacqui Potter U-16 cup title at Grange Road last Saturday, getting the better of Old Alex 2-1 in a tense final.

They lost at the first time of asking to Railway Union but were reinstated due to a player eligibility issue and replayed against the Park Avenue outfit on Friday night, taking the laurels 3-1.

And they carried that momentum into the final with Emma Russell striking a goal in each half before the excellent Anna Roopnarinesingh pulled one back with seven minutes to go with a superb solo goal.

A few late corners almost forced extra-time but Hermes’ defence marshalled by Jane Fennelly and with midfield dynamo Laura Gray to the fore, they survived the tension to take the cup.

In the other finals on the day, Niamh Barry scored the second half winner for Botanic IV (pictured) to claim their first cup title in eight years as they withstood a late onslaught from Dalkey in front of a large, noisy crowd at Grange Road on Saturday.

Barry got the final touch after a scramble ensued at short corner time to seal the division 11/12 crown.

It proved a nice present for the absent captain Mo Smyth who was unable to play after being stranded in Amsterdam since the previous Thursday due to the fallout from the Icelandic volcano.

In the division 7/8 decider, Mini Douglas struck with virtually the last touch of the game to hand Railway Union IV the division 7/8 cup while Monkstown II won the division 13/14 cup 3-2 on penalty strokes after tying in normal time with Navan II 1-1.

U-16 Jacqui Potter Cup final:
Hermes 2 (Emma Russell 2) Old Alex 1 (Anna Roopnarinesingh)

Women’s Division 7/8 Cup final:
Railway Union IV 1 (Mini Douglas) Pembroke VI 0

Women’s Division 11/12 Cup final:
Botanic IV 1 (Niamh Barry) Dalkey 0

Women’s Division 13/14 Cup final:
Monkstown II 1 Navan II 1 Monkstown win 3-2 on penalty strokes

**********************************************

Last week at Belfield, meanwhile, Old Alex II were pipped to the Irish Junior Cup title by a formidable Randalstown II side who came from a goal behind to end the Milltown club's double dreams.

Sylvia O'Mahony netted from the second phase of a corner after Becca Coll's initial shot had created havoc but two goals from Pamela Muir and one from Courtney Burns swung the tie the Ulster side's way.

* Adrian Boehm's photos from the Old Alex II vs Randalstown II fixture can be seen here. Apologies for not posting sooner.