Westport battle past Burrishoole to secure another final place

THE champions are back in the final but they were made fight every inch of the way by a dogged and determined Burrishoole side who tested them to the limit in St Patrick's Park.

Westerport were clear and deserving winners but the scoreline of 2-12 to 0-8 is somewhat misleading.

They were just five points clear after 58 minutes before two points from Laura Moran and a goal from Aoife Staunton left ten between them at the end.

This was a well-contested encounter between two talented sides, which was ruined by a constant stream of frees.

Westport led 1-6 to 0-5 at the break and when they moved the ball smartly they were hugely effective.

Fionuala McLaughlin, Aoife Staunton, Saoirse Ludden, Sorcha McCarney and Aoife Geraghty were impressive when they took on their opponents, but Burrishoole were giving as good as they got.

Clodagh McManamon, Ciara McManamon, Leona Ryder, Jennifer Cawley and Hannah Sheehy caught the eye for the guests and if Lucy Wallace's goal shot had found the net rather than the post after eleven minutes they'd have been in an even better position.

The pivotal moment of the first half arrived after 19 minutes. To the confusion and consternation of everyone in the ground the referee held up play and awarded Westport a penalty.

McCarney didn't look the gift-horse in the mouth and brilliantly rolled home the spot kick. That left them five clear at the interval, but Burrishoole were still alive.

Westport were the dominant side in the second half but scores were hard to come by as both sides batttled for every inch of ground.

Hannah Sheehy and Clodagh McManamon Jnr swapped points with Laura Moran and Staunton, but how Westport were denied a goal after 43 minutes is anyone's guess.

Geraghty got on the end of a flowing move and on her second step crashed the ball to the net, yet the score was disallowed for over-carrying. All Westport could do was shake their heads.

There were just five between the sides as time ticked away and the prospect of a late Burrishoole surge was still there but the champions finished with a flourish.

Saoirse Lally drove up the field continually and Laura Moran kicked two points before smart and decisive forward play ended with Aoife Staunton driving home a late goal to leave the women in blue ten clear at the end and back in yet another county final.