New look Oriel Ladies team pipped by impressive Donegal

A repeat of last years first round defeat took place on Saturday with this time Oriel Ladies hosting Donegal. With a new look team and a new home venue hopes were high that Oriel could respark their provious title runs.

1st half

On mat 1, our current ladies pairs winners, Caroline and Vera playing with Catherine kiernan and Catherine Martin looked impressive throughout and never took the foot off the pedal eventually winning 8-5, against the dangerous Ruth Crawford. On mat 2 Carol McMahon playing with 2 of our up and coming juniors began slowly and after 5 ends was 7-2 down. But Carols experience guided her rink back into the game and eventually drew 8-8. Imelda Hanratty playing with the returning Mary Larney began brilliantly and raced into a 6-3 lead. But Martina brogans rink fought back and with an end to go was 8-7 up. Imelda was not to be outdone however as she picked up 2 shots to win 9-8. A good start oriel lead by 4

The second half was nip and tuck throughout with neither team able to pull away. The turning point came on gills mat when holding 4 Paula Eaton-Friel fired and managed to get 2 shots. This put the spring in donegal steps and that rink eventually won 6-9. Donegals talisman Rachel Mcdonnell was having a ding-dong battle with our own Rachel, Rachel Brennan and after 8 ends the scores were 5-4. A 3 by Donegal looked like the final nail in the coffin for Oriel with donegal now 8 ahead. But what a difference one or two bowls can make. Patricia’s rink was holding a count of 5 and with severe pressure on Vera Patterson she drew in for shot. Patricia had a chance to take the bowl out for 6 but was to tight. In the end Donegal cruised home but oh what could have been

But our ladies did us proud  it’s a new look team against one of the favorites and on another day could have won  A home tie in the plate is next v Monaghan