Hat-tricks galore on Women’s Super League opening night

Deborah Kerrigan (Bonagee), Shannon McDonald (Greencastle) and Michelle McDaid (Illies) all grabbed hat-tricks last night on the opening night of the new North West Women’s Super League.
Bonagee United 7 Rasheney FC 1
Deborah Kerrigan was the hat-trick hero as Bonagee United broke from the traps in style with a big win over Rasheney FC last night in Dry Arch Park.
The Convoy woman’s hat-trick helped shoot Louise Gordon’s Bonagee to an encouraging opening night win.
Bonagee were six to the good by half-time and well on their way. Natalie McFadden’s brace and goals from Alice Diver and Anna Doherty gave Bonagee a comfortable win before Georgina Gordon netted a late penalty for Rasheney.
Bonagee, aiming to build on a useful season in 2016, were off to a flier and the lead goal arrived in the 8th minute. Julie McCloy, just back from a lengthy injury lay-off, threaded a fine through ball down the right channel for Kerrigan, who sped in and shot home from just inside the area.
Four minutes later, Bonagee caught Rasheney on the break. Grainne Gallagher robbed possession back for the hosts in a tussle on the edge of the box and the move ended with McFadden’s ball over the top seeing Kerrigan give chase.
In these positions, at full tilt, Kerrigan has few equals and she made no mistake after leaving the defence in her wing mirrors.
Dunnes Stores due Kerrigan and Diver combined as Bonagee stretched the lead. Kerrigan this time turned provider with a corner and Diver, reading it to perfection and, rising high at the front post flicked a wonderful header soaring beyond Claire Doherty.
Bonagee were in deadly mood by now and Doherty made it 4-0, converting from a McCloy free kick.
Kerrigan, with a shot that lifted just a fraction too early, came close on the half-hour, before she set up McFadden to tuck home the fifth.
Just before the break, McFadden connected to a long-range free from goalkeeper Denise McElhinney to make it 6-0 at the break.
Bonagee had sound displays from Gallagher and the returning Taylor Feeney at the back to keep Rasheney at bay.
Doherty, to her credit, made fine saves to deny Kerrigan and McCloy but, in the 66th minute, Doherty provided the assist and Kerrigan slammed home to complete her hat-trick.
Fifteen minutes from the end, Georgina Gordon beat McElhinney from the spot for a consolation goal for the Trawbreaka women, but it was Bonagee’s night.
Bonagee United: Denise McElhinney; Leona Russell, Taylor Feeney, Grainne Gallagher, Saorla McGarrigle; Jule McCloy, Alice Diver, Anna Doherty, Naomi Moore; Deborah Kerrigan, Natalie McFadden. Subs used: Olivia McGinley, Aisling Grieve, Michaela Kelly, Sonia Moore, Michaela Carolan.
Rasheney FC: Claire Doherty; Roisin Doherty, Janine Gordon, Leanne Devlin, Marie Doherty; Tara Doherty, Saoirse Farren, Georgina Gordon, Ciara Duffy; Aileen Doherty, Jacklyn Duffy. Sub used: Danielle Gordon.
Referee: Con McLaughlin.
Moville Celtic 4 Swilly Rovers 0
Moville broke from the middle of the field and Aisling McGuinness scored after just 10 minutes. Bronagh McGuinness went close, but it was Caraigh McGuinness who doubled the lead before half-time.
Caraigh, Emma and Michelle kept Swilly at bay in the middle of field and Caraigh McGuinness scored again for Moville midway through the second half.
Aisling McGuinness scored the final goal of the night to seal a comfortable win for the Glencrow residents.
Greencastle FC 8 Clonmany Shamrocks 0
Greencastle laid down a marker with a big win over Clonmany in an all-Inishowen clash at Chapel Lane.
Shannon McDonald left with the matchball from this one with a classy treble.
Sarah Jane McDonald grabbed a brace, as did Sarah Faulkner while Eimear McLaughlin also got on the mark as Paddy Hannon’s team took a one-sided win.
Illies FC 4 Lagan Harps 0
In the battle of last season’s Inishowen and Donegal League champions, Illies came out on top at Stranaclea. Michelle McDaid netted a hat-trick for John Doherty’s side as they served notice of their intentions for the new campaign.
McDaid helped Illies into a 2-0 lead at half-time and added a third after the break. Paula McGrory was also on the mark for Illies.