A Roisin Upton inspired Catholic Institute fought back to win the women’s EYHL Division 2 Final following a breath taking contest with Queen’s that went to a 3-3 draw and subsequently a sudden death shootout.
The Irish international struck twice in a big comeback while also scoring twice in the shootout, including the winner in round six to spark their celebrations.
Queen’s built the two goal lead early on with a dominant display. Erin Getty slammed in a penalty corner to give them the lead. Jessica McMaster thought she had doubled their lead but her goal was ruled out for an earlier indiscretion.
Three more corner chances came and went before Alyssa Jebb provided a lovely reverse-stick finish as she peeled away from the Institute defence to put Queen’s in firm control.
Institute were struggling to get a foothold in the gamy but forged their first chance when Upton got a bit of space on the right of the circle and smashed through to fire the Limerick side back into the game.
Upton’s goal gave Institute some confidence going into the second half and they began to dominate on the restart.
A period of pressure saw them create several fine chances with Kim Daly was somehow denied at point blank range by Sarah McCabe amid a volley of attacks.
Institute got level just before the end of the third quarter when Leah Clery and Eimear Ryan worked a flowing move into the circle and Laura Foley was on hand to finish off.
However, Queen’s replied quickly from a rare break with Koren Ferguson getting on the end of it to provide an accurate push into the bottom corner.
That came with 10 minutes to go but Institute came back again with Upton’s drive into the circle leading to a scramble and a corner. She stepped up and dragged a corner into the bottom right corner making it 3-3 in the 65th minute.
That sent the game to a shoot-out where goalkeepers were on top initially before Upton and Tori Hastings both scored in the second round.
Foley reversed in for 2-1 and Institute looked to have a 3-1 lead in round four but Clery’s goal-bound shot was just timed out.
Emma Kernohan tied things up in the final round for 2-2 and sudden death. Hastings was then held up by goalkeeper Miriam O’Callaghan before chipping over under pressure.
It allowed Upton the chance to win it and she stepped forward to slot in the winner for Institute.
Roisin Upton spoke to Sporting Limerick following the victory. Click below to hear her thoughts on Catholic Institute’s victory.
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