Connollys Intermediate Ladies are laying down early markers

DUNEDIN Connollys Intermediate Ladies (above) have been showing they might well be the team to beat in the North of Britain Championship after securing the first piece of silverware in Scotland.

A midweek clash saw the Edinburgh side take on old adversaries Glasgow Gaels in the Scotland LGFA Intermediate Championship Final.

Nicky Ryan and Tara Kelly started strong in midfield for Connollys giving great ball in for the forwards to deliver scores. Gaels then answered back with a goal just before the half-time whistle leaving Connollys with a five-point lead.

The Glasgow opened the second-half with another goal, but Dunedin’s defence grew into the game with Mhairi Harper and Claire Dunne carrying ball up the pitch. Ais Lacey and Claragh Connor kept Connollys’ scores ticking over for the half, eventually giving them a convincing nine-point win at full-time, by a scoreline of 2-15 to 2-06.

Connollys Ladies then made the journey to Manchester to take on John Mitchels of Liverpool to kick off Round 1 of the North of Britain Championship.

Mitchels started well with strong scores followed by a goal, but the Dunedin forwards Caoilfhionn Deeney and Tara Kelly soon answered back. After half-time, backs Triona Kelly and Ciara McHugh got on the scoreboard, both putting the ball in the back of the net.

Mitchels fought back with great attacking play, but were not strong enough to break through the Connollys defence. A great save from Angie Callaghan kept the Liverpool side out and the final score ended up 3-08 to 2-06 in the Edinburgh side’s favour.

Connollys were due to play Oisín CLG from Manchester in Edinburgh, but the visitors did not field and so Dunedin were awarded the three points, leaving them top of the table, at this early stage.