The football was of a high standard, providing competitive and entertaining matches for the spectators. The Northern Ireland squad, under a new management team, had been training hard in the run up to the tournament and were well prepared, despite losing several key players due to a clash with the Women’s Champions League, and losing Captain Orlaith McVeigh with an ankle injury just the day before the tournament.
NI’s first match of the tournament was against reigning champions England on Tuesday morning. The girls knew this would be the toughest game in the tournament, but put the nerves to good use and went out ‘buzzing’, surprising England with a goal after just 10secs from Crusaders’ Amy McGivern. An exciting first half and NI held England to a 2-2 draw, however England battled on and a few lucky bounces lead to a 5-2 England victory. The harsh score didn’t reflect the match play and the NI girls left the pitch feeling they could have got more from the game.
The following afternoon (Wednesday) the NI girls played Scotland. Disappointed with the result from the England game, but boosted by the quality of the performance, NI started the match strong and produced some excellent football, beating Scotland 6-0.
Thursday’s match was an early kick off against Wales, and this match was the decider for 2nd place behind England. Both teams seemed to be feeling the effect of the previous 2 matches and perhaps started slowly. After a few scares when Wales had chances NI took the lead and went in 2-0 up at half time. The match finished up 3-1 to NI, with Carly Hinds (Ballyclare Comrades) pulling of some fantastic saves to keep NI in the lead. This victory secured 2nd place for the Northern Ireland team behind Champions England.
Head Coach, Heather McCracken was full of praise for Northern Ireland squad.
“We are so proud of the girls. They put in amazing effort and skill, played as a team, and shocked a lot of people during the tournament! We couldn’t have asked for more from the girls, both on and off the pitch which was noted when we won the Fair Play award. We had a lot of young players in the squad this year, which stands us in good stead for next year.”
“Special thanks go to the NI coaches Winky Kerr, Michelle Crawford and Joe Houston for their efforts in the months before to prepare the team so well, and of course Suzanne from CYP for organising a fantastic tournament. The tournament was an excellent opportunity for young players to experience strong competition and meet new friends from the other home nations.”
Coaches player of the matches
England – Codie Bruton, Linfield Ladies
Scotland – Kayleigh Earle, Ballyclare Comrades
Wales – Hannah Doherty, Crusaders Strikers
NI Rosebowl Squad 2011
Orlaith McVeagh (Linfield Ladies)
Chelsea Myles (Linfield Ladies)
Lauren Crawford (Glentoran BU)
Rachel Davis (Glentoran BU)
Lauren Lewis (Glentoran BU)
Rebecca McConnell (Linfield Ladies)
Hannah Doherty (Crusaders Strikers)
Lisa Harrison (Lurgan High School)
Codie Bruton (Linfield Ladies)
Kayleigh Earle (Ballyclare Comrades)
Dannielle Darragh (Cappagh Spurs)
Carly Hinds (Ballyclare Comrades)
Taylor Wright (Crusaders Strikers)
Lauren Marshall (Ballymoney Ladies)
Amy McGivern (Crusaders Strikers)
Mollie Moore (Bangor Ladies)
