NSW GAA League Camogie Final

Clan NaGael 3-12  Central Coast 2-08

Clan NaGael claimed their first camogie title in an exciting encounter with Central Coast which despite the 7pt winning margin was up for grabs until the last few minutes.  Coast have dominated camogie in NSW since it started back in 2006 but with Clan recording a 100% record in the round robin phase a close decider was anticipated.

The first half was a hectic, end to end affair.  After the opening ten minutes the scores were tied at 1-04 each with both goalkeepers being called upon to make great point blank saves.  Scores were at a premium in the next 5mins at Clan edged ahead by adding 2pts to Coasts' 1pt.  Coast dominated the remaining minutes of the half however a brace of saves by the Catherine Fleming in the Clan goal and a couple of wides ensured no return for that dominance.  Meanwhile Clan made the most of their few scoring chances by slotting over 3pts and finished by forcing a fine save from Coast keeper before the half time whistle.  Half time score Clan NaGael 1-09, Central Coast 1-05.

Coast cut into the deficit with a point within seconds of the throw in and a minute later were denied a goal thanks to strong defending from the Clan back line. Clan added a point before Coast saw a goal chance come back off the post. Coast were to rue that miss as Claire Mullen added 2 goals in quick succession either side of a Coast point to put Clan in control with 10mins to go.  However Coast came back with 1-02 in the next 5 mins to reduce the deficit to 3pts with 5 mins remaining.  

The Coast keeper did well to stop a certain goal after a barnstorming run by Clan's Norma Kelly.  The same player picked up a nasty knee injury a minute later which lead to a delay in play.  The break in play seemed to stem the Coast pressure and Clan's defence held strong while their forwards picked off scores when presented with the opportunity in the remaining few minutes to increase the deficit to 7pts before the final whistle.

Final score Clan NaGael 3-12 Central Coast 2-08. Claire Mullen (2-05) and Aoife Tobin (1-07) top scored for Clan while Keira Kinahan contributed 2-06 of Coast's total.  Despite the efforts of the forwards, the foundation for Clan's win was built on solid defending by their back line and their full back, Ciara Scallon was deserved winner of the Man of the Match award.

Teams
Clan NaGael: Catherine Fleming, Ciara Scallon, Lisa McTigue, Ciara McMenemin, Norma Kelly, Claire Mullen, Aoife Tobin, Marita McDonald, Mary Halpin, Aine Ryan.

Central Coast: Honoria Mitchell, Ashling Jordan, Jenny O’Grady, Evelyn O’Brien, Brid Kirwan, Keira Kinahan, Ann Murray, Laura Flanagan, Sandra Ryan, Barbara Meade, Nessa Doyle.