Another day and another trip to the Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey ended in delight for the girls. Once again the question on everyone's lips was, "Where is Saul?" but they all know where it is now!
With nerves high the girls settled into their groove quickly and scythed through all opposition in the league stages to reach the semi-final unbeaten and scoring for fun. The nerves hadn't lasted at all.
Ballykeel were the opponents in the semi-final and it was their toughest match so far. Ballykeel defended brilliantly and had a couple of chances to score, but Erin in goals and Beth at the back kept them at bay. It was left to the Best, Law & Charlton of the team, Rebecca, Erin and Leah to turn defence into attack and Erin scored the winner to send the girls into the final. If the semi-final was tough, there was even tougher to come and Katie and Anna cheered the team onto the pitch along with Mrs K.
Holy Child awaited and after winning the rock, scissors, paper decision to get kick off the girls immediately went on the attack and were two up through Erin O' and seemingly comfortable. However, any team that reaches a final has got there on merit and that was certainly the case as Holy Child proved their mettle by gaining a foothold in the game with good possession and then a screamer of a goal to send shockwaves around the Valley, never mind the fact the crossbar was still shaking even after Erin H restarted play. With only seconds left, the Holy Child No. 13 let fly again and this time the ball struck the angle of post and crossbar and bounced out. PHEW! As Erin threw the ball out, the final whistle blew and the screaming started! Champions!!!!! Mourinho Kernan screamed too and the watching supporters cheered for such a competitive final that was a credit to both teams and their teachers. The supporters hearts restarted and the Cup would soon be on its way to join its partner in St Patrick's PS.
The presentation took place with the IFA presenting both teams with medals and then Captain Leah raised the trophy. Well done girls, you have made us all so proud!
