St. Colm's High School Draperstown (1,6) St MacNissis Garren Tower (1,3)

The Ulster U16 replay between St Colm's High School Draperstown and St MacNissi's Garren Tower must be hailed as one of the most exciting and thrilling matches at this level. Such was the intensity at which both teams played, there only could be one winner and St. Colm's, through sheer grit and determination carved out an emphatic victory to retain the Ulster title for the second time in the schools history.

The opening score went to St. MacNissi's when Alex Mc Laughlin converted a free. St. Colm's were not far behind when they registered their first score with a well taken point from play by wing forward Mary Jo Mc Cullagh. St. Colm's were certainly taking the game to St. MacNissi's at this early stage with a number of constructive attacks. St. MacNissis defence worked tirelessly and St. Colm's only managed to convert once more with a pulsating point from full forward Clara Murray.

St. Colm's dominance dwindled as St. MacNissis gained momentum around mid field and put St. Colm's defence under tremendous pressure. It resulted with Mairi Mulvenna scoring a goal and Teresa Mc Donnell a further point to leave the Garren Tower team in a very favourable position with half time beckoning. St. Colm's full back trio of Catherine Mc Namee, Joni Mc Eldowney, Teresa Bradley together Centre half Back Gemma Conway, started to weather the storm. Mc Eldowney at full back made an outstanding block which seemed to breathe life into the St. Colm's girls. This vital interception resulted in a great clearance up the field. St. MacNissi's conceded a free to allow Claire MC Groogan to slot over a much needed score for the girls from Draperstown.

Even though only two points separated the teams at half time, there certainly was no clear winner as both camps displayed such passion and commitment throughout the pitch.

St. Colm's started the brighter in the second half, winning most of the duals around midfield with Fiona Breen and Claire Mc Groogan excelling on both wings. Captain Patrica Mc Namee led by example as she covered every blade of grass, spreading the ball into all areas of attack. Tenacious defending by St. Mac Nissi's especially goal keeper Ciara Campbell were not allowing St. Colm's to edge in front.

Persistent work rate and countless attacks paid dividends as St. MacNissis gave away three consecutive frees which the in form Claire Mc Groogan converted. St. Colm's were unfortunate on several occasions, as the energetic Michelle Mc Ivor hit a ferocious shot which bounced of the cross bar and centre half forward Cathy Convery was always a thorn in the Garren Tower defence. Never say die this philosophy was definitely evident as the Garren Tower girls led by Alex Mc Laughlin carried the ball to score an excellent point from play.

With six minutes remaining, it was all square. Extra time looked on the cards again until St. Colm's goalkeeper, Graces Kelly became St. Colm's goal scorer

In the tenth minute of the second half, keeper Kelly switched with wing back Catherine Mc Namee. A double substitution was made in the nineteenth minute when Aimee and Teresa Kelly were introduced in the full forward line. From this point Grace Kelly cleared a ball out of defence to wing forward Mary Jo Mc Cullagh who carried the ball into the heart of the Garren Tower defence. Grace continued her timely run and it proved vital. Garren Tower tried frantically to clear their lines but Grace finished the ball to the keepers net.

Although this was the last score of the game, St MacNissi's still battled to the bitter end but were unable to get that equalising score. St. Colm's defensive unit were outstanding and it was from here that many attacks were launched especially through Centre Half Back, Gemma Conway.

St. Colm's Captain Patrica Mc Namee, was presented with the Shield by Mrs Caitriona Scott from Ulster Colleges. Both teams would like to take this opportunity to thank the referee Tommy Mc Intyre and Glenravel for the use of their facilities.