Our Intermediate team dug deep to seal victory against Sliabh Rua in our first round championship match at Castle Road. We went in to this game with a depleted squad but credit to those players who stepped up to ensure we got this win on the board. We played with the wind in the first half, and started well with points from Ruth and Lauren. Sliabh Rua scored their first point from play after 10 minutes and got their second immediately after to level matters from a free. From there to H.T we played really well and were dominant all over the field. Caoimhe put over a free and she then scored a goal from a tight angle. Ruth and Rachel scored points from play before Caoimhe got another goal and a point in quick succession. Caoimhe was unstoppable despite the numerous times the referee called fouls on her. At H.T we were 2-6 to 0-2 up. Any chances Sliabh Rua created were snuffed out by Deirdre at corner back and Niamh at full back who was awesome. 'Form is temporary, class is permanent', thats Niamh. Susan put over a lovely point at the start of the second half. As expected Sliabh Rua had a purple patch. They scored 3-1 within a 10 minute period without reply. Therese was brought on for Emma and we made a few positional changes. Credit to Dillons, we didn't panic. Emma Sharpe scored a point and Caoimhe put over a free. We settled down and tok control in midfield with Sinead and Susan playing really well. Caoimhe scored a goal direct from a 40metre free and Therese put over a point. Sliabh Rua put over a free but that was their lot. Ruth scored a great point before Sinead who was getting stronger as the game went on put over two class points to kill off our opponents. F.T score 3-13 to 3-5. We weren't at our best but we dug deep when we needed to and thats very gratifying. Big players perform on big occasions and when its needed the most. It was a big test for us tonight and we passed. All championship matches are important and we are off to the perfect start.