Kilkenny Seconds share spoils with Skerries

The Kilkenny Ladies Seconds team wrapped up their league season when they hosted Skerries in Kilkenny College on Saturday.

The home team were off to a flying start and showed good intensity. Kilkenny dominated the first quarter and were rewarded with a goal. In a lovely set play started in midfield by Laura Hennessy Louise Kenny applied the perfect finish to put the home team 1-0 up.

However, Skerries weren’t about to sit back A quick attack from the opposition resulted in a short corner for Skerries. A direct shot from the top went past the home defence minutes before the whistle. The first quarter ended even for the sides 1-1.

Kilkenny came out in the second quarter with great purpose. They had the lion’s share of possession, resulting in mounting pressure from the forward line of Caoimhe O’Connor, Orla Shields and Roisin Burns.

Although they pushed hard the closest they came to going back in front was when a short corner goal disallowed. At half-time the sides remained tied 1-1.

After guidance from coach Paul O’Donnell at half time, Kilkenny started the third quarter with determination. After a couple of chances and near misses on goal, Kilkenny and Skerries seemed well matched. A big press from the midfield line of Emma Shepard, Faye Reynolds and Nessa Farrell the home team were unlucky not to convert.

Skerries came back strong in the final quarter with a couple of quick breaks of attack. However, Kilkenny never lost focus, the last five minutes saw the backline come under pressure with a defensive short corner against the home team. After great defending from the backline of captain Catriona Twomey, Hannah Bailey, Rachel Crotty and Jill O’Keeffe and a cool head from goalkeeper Anna Waldron the ball was cleared and Skerries were held to the end.

The final whistle signalled a 1-1 draw for Kilkenny Seconds, who finished top of the league table and overall division winners.

Kilkenny Seconds - Anna Waldron, Jill O’Keeffe, Rachel Crotty, Hannah Bailey, Catriona Twomey (C), Nessa Farrell, Laura Hennessy, Emma Shepard, Faye Reynolds, Louise Kenny, Caoimhe O’Connor, Orla Shields, Roisin Burns.

Coach - Paul O’Donnell.