The under 18 girls suffered heartbreak this morning when they lost 3-2 away to Rush Athletic in the semi-final of the Lee Brothers cup. A blustery day in Rush with the wind howling in from the coast to make conditions tough for football. Rovers took the lead within five minutes of the start with a goal from Molly Sweeney but it was quickly cancelled out by a well taken equaliser from the home side. This was developing into a game between two very evenly matched teams but Rush were able to use fresher legs due to their vastly greater number of substitutes. Rush scored again to make it 2-1 just before the half time whistle. The second half started brightly with Rovers now playing against the strong wind. The defence ably led by Aóibh Kelly, worked their socks off to keep Rush out. On a few occasions when they did get through they found a very strong Abi Smith in the Rovers goal in great form. Rovers felt they had strong claims for two or three penalties but on each occasion the ref waved play on. Rovers did break through to get an equaliser with Molly Sweeney again hitting the back of the net and this made for an exciting closing twenty minutes. Just when it looked like the game was heading to extra time a floated ball from around the half way line was carried by the wind to just dip under the crossbar to give Rush the victory on the day. A cruel way to lose the game but everyone of these girls gave everything on the day and hopefully they will have the rub of the green next time. Well done Hugh and the girls.