By Donna O'Connor

It may have been arranged as a friendly but as soon as the game started, the Down Ladies showed no mercy on their opponents. In the first session (3 x 20mins sessions) the Down Ladies displayed a very fast moving game with nothing but top performances from the forwards Mairin McAleenan, Angeline Ferron, Mary Gilmore and Karen Gribben.

Mairin McAleenan playing with her usual zest, scored the opening point within the first 5mins of the game from a free that was appointed to Pauline Trainor. This was then quickly followed by another point from Karen Gribben and another by Angeline Ferron. But it was the superb goals supplied by Mary Gilmore, Mairin McAleenan and further points provided by Catherine McGourity that sealed the 1st session of the game for Down. Score 2:7 – 0.

In the second session the Antrim Ladies began to hit back by scoring points but the excellent display of defending by Lisa McCrickard, Deborah Kelland and Teresa McGowan prevent the Antrim Team from scoring further. The fighting spirit of the defence was tested to the limited as a penalty was awarded against the Downs side but unfortunately no score was acquired by the Antrim Team.

At the end of the day the victory was to Down, 4:12 to 3:8 Throughout the game the quality and standards of play by the Down side was one of excellence. This I must say is due to their new rigorous training/fitness schedule, devised by their new trainer Colleen Reilly. Lets hope this the Down Ladies can repeat this high level of performance at their next scheduled national league game at home against Kildare on 28 March 2004 venue and time to be confirmed.

Panel:
Ciara McCarthy, Moya Maginn, Teresa McGowan, Clare McGovern, Karen Gribben, Pauline Green, Deborah Kelland, Catherine McGourity, Lisa McCrickard, Mary McPolin, Cathy Muholland, Angeline Ferron, Mary Gilmore, Mairin McAleenan, Karen Gribben, Colleen Grant, Eimear Rodgers, Patrice Gorman, Aoife Proctor, Leona Ferris, Caroline Falloona, Katrina Fegan, Pauline Trainor.