In a rematch of this years Junior B League Final, FoxCab Juniors once again faced Erins Isle in the Championship opener. Availability of players was challenging due to injury and travel, but six players from the Minor team kindly came along so the fixture could go ahead.

First half points from Olivia Crossan, Ciara Murphy and captain Jennifer Burke were a small return for larger FoxCab efforts that were stymied by a super strong Erins Isle side who scored 4-10 in the same period. Our Juniors had a purple patch after the break with Caitlin Walsh scoring a brace of goals in quick succession in her first outing as a Centre Forward. Additional points from Ciara Murphy, Sinead Flannery and Caitlin Walsh brought our final tally to 2-8 which sadly couldn't catch Erins Isle who led throughout and their 7-14 final tally is testament to the speed and skills that should see them progress successfully in the Championship. We wish them well.

Although the defeat is disappointing for the team there are a number of strong positives to be acknowledged. This is a new blend of players between Minor and Junior squads and in this their first outing the seeds of future success are evident as youth and experience combine and start working together. The third quarter performance in particular shows the promise - great fluid play that shifted ball forward very fast on the counter attack and got our forwards that extra second or two for a clean shot on target. Tremendous character was also displayed as the team held their composure, defended strongly - but not cynically - and supported each other.

Next Wednesday sees a clash for Kilbogget between FoxCab Seniors and Juniors, so Juniors have to cede home advantage and instead play St Brendans at their Longmeadows base.

Team sheet = Julie Eakins, Ada Greene, Emma Hughes, Aisling O'Kelly, Emma Barry, Ciara Mac Kenna, Ciara Mahon, Olivia Crossan, Anne Spain, Sinead Flannery, Caitlin Walsh, Sadhbh Duffy, Jessie Kane, Ciara Murphy and Jennifer Burke (Captain). Subs Saoirse Loughlin, Ruby O'Connell Bell, Jessica Gregg and Emily Doyle (all of which were played).