Avoca Ladies entered the National Indoor Trophy this year for the first time.  The team, captained by Kate Cullen, consisted of players from the Ladies 1st and 2nd squads as well two guest players, Fiona Davitt (Loreto) and Una Budd (Old Alex).  The squad travelled to Tallaght to take on Division One teams, Hermes, Old Alex and Glenanne in Group B of the trophy.  Avoca, thought of as the “underdogs” of the tournament, were keen to step out and make their mark on the indoor field for the first time in many years.
After 6 weeks of “intensive” coaching with indoor guru Graham Dowling, Avoca stepped out for their first indoor match against Hermes.  It all started a bit manic, as Avoca tried to settle into the dynamics of the indoor game.  Hermes took a 2-0 lead coming into half-time, where Avoca took the opportunity to regroup and settle down. Ruth McDonagh literally got her knickers in a twist and finally put one in the back of the net, closing the gap to 2-1.  Hermes stepped up their game again and strengthened their lead to 4-1.  Avoca, still not giving up, put in one final attack with Ruth McDonagh again hitting the back boards.  Final result Avoca 2 - Hermes 4.

Next up was Old Alex, whom Avoca felt would be their biggest challenge for the day.  This proved to be a much better performance from Avoca, with more structure, more confidence and a better understanding of the game, keeping Old Alex at nil all for the first 15 minutes.  Alex keen to keep their unbeaten record intact, put 2 away before the half-time whistle.  Avoca still not defeated stepped up again with some strong attacks on goal from forwards Grainne Millar and Shelley Richardson.  Alex put two more in and finally Grainne Millar closed the gap with a lovely chip into the back of the net.  Final score Avoca 1 - Old Alex 4.

Glenanne were Avoca’s final opposition of the day, and Avoca were keen to take a win here in hope of taking 3rd place in the group, shattering the claims of certain bloggers that they didn’t have a hope in the tournament!  Glenanne set out strong, also looking to take the final position of third place in the group.  Again, Avoca hit into half-time down 2 goals to nothing.  With it all to play for, Avoca stood out again, showing sheer grit and determination to make a comeback against the Tallaght side.  Nina Doyle tightened the gap and brought the score-line to 2-1. The Glens attacked again and popped another goal into the back of the net, bringing it to 3-1 with 8 minutes to go.   Avoca still not willing to give in, put on the pressure with a lovely little slip through from Cara Kelehan to Ruth McDonagh for a one-on-one with the keeper... McDonagh took the opportunity to chip it past the keeper, again closing the gap to 3-2.  This drove the “underdogs” even more, with McDonagh knocking another two past the keeper to take a hat-trick, and close the game at 4-3 to Avoca.

Avoca Ladies took third place in the group, unfortunately not good enough to qualify for the finals, but they certainly showed their opposition what they were made of.  Hermes and Old Alex qualified as the top two, in that order.

Player of the day was deservedly awarded to goalkeeper Danni Cummins for her numerous spectacular saves and dedication to her role on the field.  What a show!!!
A huge thank you to Graham Dowling for imparting his vast indoor wisdom to the Avoca side and to George Roberts who managed us on the day.
Avoca Squad: Kate Cullen (Captain), Danni Cummins, Sarah Cullen, Cara Kelehan, Julie Dagg, Fiona Davitt, Una Budd, Nina Doyle, Ruth McDonagh, Aifric O’Malley, Shelley Richardson, Kylie O’Grady, Grainne Millar.
By Kate Cullen