Derry’s U16’s travelled to McKenna Park in Ballycran on Sunday, to meet Down’s U16. The game itself was enjoyable to watch as both sides played brilliantly.

Down’s Ciara Mageean  give an outstanding performance throughout the game. Several times Ciara gave the Down forwards opportunities to score by striking the ball and placing it within the box but unfortunately Down was unable to score.

The first half of the match was hard and physical. Down had many opportunities to score but unfortunately Derry’s backs fought and clear any threats of a score.  At the end of the first half both sides were level at 0-3 each.

As the second half of the game commenced Down’s Amy McCarthy fought of a tremendous challenge from one of the Oak Leafs players. By using her physical frame she prevented the Derry girl from obtaining procession. Down’s goalkeeper Jordan Hynds, was constantly under pressure and had to come of her line to challenge a Derry player. Jordan fought hard and one possession and cleared the ball away.

The turning point of this game came midway in the second half when Keelin Bradley made a great run from centrefield to score the only goal of the game. The Down heads dropped but still they tried to break down the Derry defence.

This was Down’s U16 wakening call as to what to expect to see in their future games.  These young Mourne girls proved to the Derry team that they too have the ability, skill and stamina but

but it was the 2006 U16 B All-Ireland winners who took the stakes on the day.

Final score Down 0-3  Derry 1-3.