Sunday 20 June 2009, Poulter Park, Mitcham

Croydon 15-17 V John Mitchells 0-0

Croydon continued on their winning streak in the Junior League with a convincing win over John Mitchells in Poutler Park on Sunday with a resounding score line of 15-17 to no score.  This was always set to be a hard fixture for the Warwickshire ladies who only fielded a nine player squad. 

Croydon were dominant from the start and opened the scoring soon after the throw in with a close range strike from half forward Aodhnait Connors.  This was quickly followed by a goal and point from Captain Bridget Hehir.   Most of the first half action was up front for the home side as they controlled the play and continued to clock up the scores with some excellent taken goals by Mel Hoare(2) and Mary MacArthur(3). The visitors did not let their heads drop as they battled hard to clear their lines.  However their efforts were unsuccessful as Croydon defence held strong with some excellent clearances by Claire Lenihan and Mairead Agenew who linked up well with Hehir who was instrumental in increasing the home side score line. There was some excellent team play by the Croydon midfielders Sinead Allis, Rita O’Mahoney and Allison Kelly with their forward line to increase their lead before the half time whistle.

The second half opened with a changed Mitchells side who made a number of tactical moves in a bid to break the steadfast Croydon backline.  The visitors were intent in their mission and their added vigour and enthusiasm meant Croydon’s wing backs, Jenni McGivney and Brid Halloran had to hold firm in defence.  Croydon soon regained their first half momentum with Bridget Hehir rattling the visitors net for the first score of the second half.  Mitchells struggled on their puck outs as Mel Hoare cleaned up converting her chances to increase her personal tally of the day.  Croydon made a number of changes bringing some of their defenders into the fray up front.  With 10 minutes remaining the Warwickshire side dug deeper in a final bid to get on the scoreboard.  But midfield runners Allis and Kelly were quick to tackle their advances and fed the ball to newly insitu forwards Claire McCarthy and Claire Lenihan who got their names on the scoreboard with some stylish scores.  A brave performance by John Mitchells on a day when Croydon were on top form and seemed to be able to score from all angles.

Croydon:, C McCarthy(0-2), M Agnew, B Halloran(1-0), C Lenihan(2-1), J McGivney, S Allis, R. O’Mahoney(0-1), A Kelly, M Hoare(5-0), B Hehir(2-13), A Connors(1-0), M McArthur(4-0)