Cats make their point in hard-fought Naas draw

The Kilkenny Firsts were in action on Thursday evening in Kilkenny College in a much anticipated clash against near rivals Naas.

With the weather playing havoc before the Christmas break, the game had been postponed on two previous occasions before a final fixture could be arranged.

With home advantage on their side, the Cats looked to take control of the match from the get-go. Kilkenny’s midfield controlled the pace of the game with Linda Caulfield, Lily Grace and Anna May Whelan spraying inch-perfect passes around the pitch.

Both teams had their share of chances in the opening half, but Kilkenny goalkeeper Kate Freeman and her opposite number managed to pull off some fine saves - the sides could not be separated before the half-time break.

The home team dominated possession in the second half, enjoying long spells of possession with the ball as they attacked the Naas defence at every opportunity. The best chance of the game came in the dying minutes when a deflection from Niamh Spratt O’Shea flashed narrowly wide of the post.

The pressure continued from the Cats right up until the final whistle but the travelling side held firm without conceding a goal. Kilkenny had to settle for a share of the spoils, but earned themselves a vital point in their league campaign.

Kilkenny will face Dublin side Three Rock Rovers in Dublin in their next league fixture on January 28.

Kilkenny Firsts: Kate Freeman, Niamh Spratt O’Shea, Ciara Clarke, Emma Simmons, Sarah Wilson, Linda Caulfield, Anna May Whelan, Sinead Connery, Gemma O’Dwyer, Paula Farrell, Laura Walshe (C), Sara Browne, Megan Sherwood, Sass Thompson, Lily Grace, Aishling Morrissey.

Coach: Gavin Bourke.