Stalemate sees 'Ross and Saints share lead

Stephen Findlater

CLOSING in on the final rounds of the Schoolgirls Premier League, as many as five teams are still in the mix for the two semi-final berths on offer from Section A.

The table is currently topped by Muckross and St Gerard's, as they shared a fantastically entertaining 2-2 draw, a tie played at high intensity.

Muckross went ahead in the 11th minute through Laura Hanlon, but the Bray side levelled just before half-time through a well-worked short corner, Susie Delahunt getting the goal.

And they continued their comeback, moving 2-1 up in the second half through good work from Irish U18 player Claire Foley and Bryony Biggam with Deanna Kissane finishing off a fine counter-attacking move.

But Muckross pushed for an equaliser and got it in the last minute through a short-corner strike from Jane O'Brien, completing a score draw that lifted both sides to 11 points.

It keeps them just ahead of champions Alexandra College, who bounced back from two early defeats in fine style, netting nine times in wins over Teresians and Mount Sackville.

Wesley and Sackville both lie in wait on nine points, too, though, with the former hoping to leap-frog three teams, should they win their tie with Muckross. It was due to be played last weekend but the frost put paid to what is a key fixture in the league run.

Last week, Mount Anville opened up Section B when they nabbed a 3-1 win over High School in a pivotal game.

It allowed St Andrew's to bound to the top of the group, their 2-0 success over Holy Child, Killiney their fourth win from five.