History made as Ladies host Harlequins in first EY2 League game
Kilkenny 1 Belfast Harlequins 3
It was a momentous day in the history of Kilkenny Hockey as the club competed in their first ever EY2 Hockey League game. With a 2pm tip off, black and amber supporters came in their droves to watch the Cats play host to the Antrim side.
The opening quarter saw the sides enjoy an equal share of possession as both teams looked to settle into the game and find their rhythm. Despite the best efforts of Kilkenny defenders Ciara Clarke, Ally Williams and Sophie Naughton, the trio couldn’t defend against a slick attacking move from the opposition which eventually found its way to the back of the net.
Harlequins capitalised on their narrow lead in the second quarter and they looked to strike while the iron was hot. The Belfast side won themselves a short corner which was upgraded to a penalty flick following a body block on the goal line. Kilkenny ’keeper Jess Cary got a strong right hand to the flick, but couldn’t prevent it from hitting the net.
Kilkenny manager Gavin Bourke restructured his side at the half-time break as the Cats looked to claw back the two-goal gap. As a result, Kilkenny looked the much stronger of the sides. The midfield partnership of Linda Caulfield, Paula Farrell, Sinead Connery and Laura Walshe attacked the Antrim goal with a vengeance and were rewarded for their efforts with a series of short corners. Strikes from both Katie Leslie and Sue Shirley were well defended by the opposition goalkeeper to keep her side in the lead. As the third quarter drew to a close, Harlequins made a speedy break against the run of play and slotted home their third goal of the afternoon.
Spurred on by the home crowd, the Cats rallied once more in the final quarter. The skilful Lily Grace and Gemma O’Dwyer linked up well in the attacking third and were unlucky not to find the back of the net. A break through eventually came for Kilkenny when Anna May Whelan made a weaving run with the ball on the right wing. Whelan picked out Sara Browne at the back post in the circle and Browne made no mistake in tucking the ball into the corner of the Belfast net, much to the delight of the crowd.
Kilkenny can enjoy a free weekend of hockey this weekend before hosting Galway side Greensfield on February 17 in the next round of the EY2 Hockey League.
Kilkenny Firsts - Jess Cary, Ciara Clarke, Ally Williams, Sophie Naughton, Tyla Sanderson, Sinead Connery, Linda Caulfield, Paula Farrell (C), Anna May Whelan, Laura Walshe, Lily Grace, Gemma O’Dwyer, Sue Shirley, Cliodhna O’Connor, Sara Browne, Katie Leslie.
Coach/Manager - Gavin Bourke/Jenny Wallace.