Kilkenny Firsts pick up valuable point on the road against league leaders

The Kilkenny Ladies first team made their point when they faced off against the Division One league leaders Corinthians in Dublin on Saturday afternoon.

With the season heating up, it was clear from the offset that both teams were intent on taking all three points from the game. Gavin Bourke’s side brought a strong attacking energy from the get-go, creating several chances in the opening half. The pick of Kilkenny’s chances fell to speedy winger Lily Grace, but her effort was well saved by the Corinthians goalkeeper.

As the game progressed, the Cats managed to win themselves two penalty corners on the trot. Blistering strikes from Sinead Connery and Anna May Whelan were both well defended by the hosts, however, leaving nothing between the sides at the half-time break.

Corinthians found their purple patch in the third quarter as they dominated possession of the ball and piled the pressure on the Kilkenny defence. Kilkenny goalkeeper Kate Freeman was called into action and pulled off a series of fine saves to keep a vital clean sheet for her side.

With the game still very much in the balance, both teams looked to go for the jugular in the last quarter. A high tackle on Kilkenny’s Linda Caulfield saw the home side go a player down in the dying minutes. The Cats poured forward in search of the winning goal, but despite their best efforts, were unable to find the back of the net.

After an evenly-matched battle, the teams had to settle for a share of the spoils. Kilkenny are on the road again next weekend as they face Trinity Hockey Club next Saturday in Santry.

Kilkenny Firsts: Kate Freeman, Emma Simmons, Lynn Chadwick, Ciara Clarke, Sarah Wilson, Sinead Connery, Linda Caulfield, Anna May Whelan, Paula Farrell, Laura Walshe (C), Megan Sherwood, Lily Grace, Sara Browne, Aisling Morrissey, Sass Thompson.

Coach: Gavin Bourke.