Kilkenny Firsts show great resolve to pick up point on the road

The Kilkenny Ladies First squad travelled to St Andrew’s College on Saturday to take on old rivals Glenanne in Division One of the Leinster Hockey League. With only two games left to play, the season is very much hotting up, as clubs either look to be promoted or battle relegation from the league. Glenanne hit the ground running from the get-go and attacked the Kilkenny goal with purpose.

With an overload of players on the left wing, the Cats struggled to keep the hosts out and conceded an early penalty corner. The team in green and white made a dream start to the game when a well-rehearsed penalty corner routine resulted in them bagging the opening goal. Much to their credit, Kilkenny never panicked and looked to get themselves back into the game in the second quarter through simple forward passes in their own half of the field.



A quick hit out from defender and vice captain Clair Phelan saw her feed the ball to Sarah Richardson. Richardson fed a clever ball into oncoming attackers Ally Carter and Cliodhna O’Connor, who combined well and carried the ball into the Glenanne circle. O’Connor’s pace allowed her to beat two defenders, before winning her side a vital penalty corner.

Sue Shirley duly stepped up to the mark and produced a fine drag flick from the penalty corner, which rattled the outside of the goalpost. Thankfully, Sam Willis was on hand to tap the rebounding ball into the back of the net and bring the game back to draw on the stroke of half time. The second half brought more of the same from both sides, with chances falling to both teams throughout.

Speedy winger Poppy Williams was unlucky not to grab a goal following a weaving right wing run past numerous Glenanne defenders. Williams’ shot caught the defence on the backfoot, but the Glenanne goalkeeper denied the Cats their glory. Anna May Harte was also inches away from clinching a win for her side, but her shot saw the ball fizz past the wrong side of the post with only a matter of seconds left on the clock.

While the Cats finished the stronger of the two teams, there was nothing to separate the sides at the final whistle, despite their best efforts. Kilkenny will be hoping to bag all three points when they play host to near neighbours Naas Hockey Club on Saturday at 12 noon in Kilkenny College. Kilkenny Firsts - Paula Farrell (C), Clair Phelan (VC), Jess Cary, Lucy Simms, Sarah Richardson, Niamh Spratt O’Shea, Ciara Mahon, Laura O’Neill, Sara Browne, Sam Willis, Sue Shirley, Anna May Harte, Cliodhna O’Connor, Ally Carter, Gemma O’Dwyer, Poppy Williams.

Coaches: Danny Mulligan, Sinead Connery, Ciara Clarke. Manager: Jenny Wallace..