Having disposed of every team in their path so far this year, Davitts looked on course to claim victory in the Bus Eireann Senior Camogie League Final, and they did so with an eight point victory over Athenry in Raheen Park on Friday evening.

Galway Camogie revamped their Club Senior camogie league this year with a total of 22 round robin games played from March to June and introducing competition sponsor Bus Eireann for the first time. Davitts collected maximum points in their six league outings which secured them a place in last weekends final. Full forward Lourda Kavanagh who suffered a broken wrist in their final league game tie with Kinvara, paved the way for Davitts with six of their tally for the day, while Oliva Forde made her comeback sealing victory for her club with a goal in the latter half of the game. With five of the of the county Senior panel, Athenry defeated Davitts in last years final, and were hoping to put back to back titles together. Without the services of Darelle Coen, they reschuffled line up saw Therese Maher revert to a defensive role taking up the pivotal centre back position.

The game itself never really took fire with little free flowing play as Athenry struggled in the upfront sector with only two scores from play in the hour. Both Athenry and Davitts had opportunites to open the scoreboard early on, however it was Athenrys creative corner forward, Noreen Coen who provided Sarah Donoghue the oportunity to tap over their 1 st free on four minutes.

Davitts were quick to respond with two pointed efforts from Kavanagh, one on the end of a Linda Gohery delivery which set Lourda up for her 1 st of the day, her second from a self made free. Great defensive positioning on the part of Therese Maher and Crystal Ruddy saw little ball leak to the Davitts inside line and Athenry drew level on ten minutes with a fine Mary Keogh score on the end of a Noreen Coen pass. They added a further score minutes later from Galway Minor Jessica Gil, before Davitts found the net for the first time. Galway Junior Mary Kelly made simple work of a Deirdre Gilchreest delivery on 15 minutes handpassing past Stephanie Gannon who had little chance to make a save. Although only a two point cushion, one could feel Davitts were beginning to gain control of this game as they added another Kavanagh point as half time approached.

The second period was a one sided affair on the scoreboard, with Athenry only managing one point in the half. They were first off the blocks after a ten minute period, hitting the target in the form of midfielder Katherin Glynn. While Athenry created many chances and goal opportunities Davitts defence never faulted for the rest of the hour. Substitute Olivia Forde no stranger to goal poaching, found the net three minutes after her introduction.

It was Deirdre Murphy who provided the ammunition from the centre of the park after breaking onto a mishandled ball by Athenry. Davitts corner forward Mary Kelly found Forde on the edge of the square, who made no error finishing strongly to the right corner of the Athenry goal. Kavanagh continued her rampage converting two further placed balls on 19 and 21 mins and it was fitting that she pointed again on 30 minutes, leaving a final scoreline of 2-06 to 0-04.

Athenry will be disappointed with their performance on the day, especially upfront where their lacked leadership and finishing power. To their credit they did create many opportunities upfront and matched Davitts in most sectors on the field on a day where both defences put in impressive performances.

Davitts will be happy to have an unbeaten record after this league campaign, with fine performances from Linda Gohery , Orla Watson, Ailbhe Kelly, while upfront Lourda Kavanagh was ever efficient in her scoring duties. Best for Athenry were County Captain Therese Maher, Crystal Ruddy and Alice Poniard.

Championship Camogie kicks off in four weeks time for both teams where Davitts face Killimor, and Athenry do battle with 5 time All Ireland champions Pearses. Venue : Duggan Park , Sat July 23 rd.