Saturday 4 April 2009, Páirc na hÉireann, Birmingham

John Mitchels 1-0 V Croydon 1-8

Croydon got off to a positive start in the Junior Championship with a convincing win over newly formed John Mitchells of Warwickshire with a scoreline of 1-08 to 1-00.

Nine Croydon players travelled to Pairc na hEireann in Birmingham on Saturday 4th April for their opening Championship  fixture. The game began with many hard fought battles around the centre of the field. It was clear from the outset that both teams were determined to win.

After a tight opening 10 mins, it was Croydon who struck first with Captain Bridget Hehir scoring a well taken point from play. Croydon continued to dominate with a further point from Michelle Tierney and a goal by Bridget Hehir from the 30 metre line increasing Croydon’s lead going into half time.

John Mitchell’s had the better start to the second half with a quick goal from Sarah Fulham following a great team effort. Croydon responded well with a point from Clare Lenihan. John Mitchells tried to make their numerical advantage count and at times Croydon struggled to cover the ground. Full back for John Mitchells, Denise Brough made some fantastic clearances but ultimately, the visitors proved too strong running out 8 point winners.

Croydon: M McArthur, C Curtin, B Halloran, J McGivney, S Allis, M Tierney, B Hehir, C Lenihan, A Connors.

John Mitchels: K McLaughlin, D Gannon, N Lynch, D Brough, E Hickey, A Quin, M Cunnife, K Donelley, S Fulham, H Healy, S Rice, K Frost, S Crehan, S Conlon.