Eunice no match as Kilkenny hockey team storm to promotion

Storm Eunice was no match for the Kilkenny Ladies on Saturday as they travelled to Bray Hockey club with promotion on their mind.

Kilkenny needed just a single point from the game to guarantee elevation to Division One of the Leinster Women’s Hockey League next season.

As the wind howled overhead, it quickly became apparent that the blustery conditions would play a big part in the opening half of the game.

The home side started well and enjoyed large spells with the ball. With a wealth of experience in defence, the Cats stood firm and Niamh Spratt O’Shea, Ciara Clarke and team captain Clair Phelan mopped up any threat on the Kilkenny goal.

Spurred on by coach Gavin Bourke on the sideline, the second quarter saw Kilkenny grow into the game. Midfield partners Gemma O’Dwyer, Laura Walsh and former international Linda Caulfield began to string some intricate passes together and set up numerous attacks on the Bray goal.

With both defences on top however, the teams enjoyed an even share of spoils at half-time.

The classy Cats hit the ground running in the third quarter. A weaving run from Michaela Sanderson set up Sara Browne for the opening goal of the game. This was quickly followed by a second from Sinead Connery, who found herself free in the opposition circle and made no mistake in slotting the ball into the Bray net.

Now two goals to the good, Kilkenny were at their ease. As the quarter drew to a close, midfielder Paula Farrell picked out Ava Murphy with an inch perfect pass.

Using her pace, Murphy left two Bray defenders for dead and was subsequently fouled, winning her team a short corner. A slick short corner routine from the Cats saw them score their third and final goal of the day through newcomer to the team, Megan Sherwood.

To their credit, the home side battled to the bitter end and Kilkenny ’keeper Doireann McCurdy was called into action on a handful of occasions in the final quarter. McCurdy pulled off several fine saves and managed to keep a third successive clean sheet for her side.

With two league games still left to play, Kilkenny cannot be caught on the table and can look forward to promotion to Division One of the Leinster League next season. They host Dublin side YMCA next Saturday at 12 noon in Kilkenny College.

Kilkenny Firsts: Doireann McCurdy, Niamh Spratt O’Shea, Ciara Clarke, Clair Phelan (C), Sarah Wilson, Sinead Connery, Linda Caulfield, Paula Farrell, Gemma O’Dwyer, Laura Walshe, Micaela Sanderson, Ally Carter, Megan Sherwood, Sara Browne, Ava Murphy, Lily Grace.

Coach: Gavin Bourke.