Hockey- Kilkenny Seconds keep 100% record

The Kilkenny Seconds maintained their 100% start to the league when they hosted Loreto Fifths in Kilkenny College on Saturday.

The game started with great intensity as Kilkenny had the majority of possession in the first quarter.

Mounting pressure from the forward line of Tatum Ginder, Lily Cooke and Maria Connolly resulted in Kilkenny being awarded a short corner. Team captain Nessa Farrell converted a well-worked short corner, giving Kilkenny an early lead.

Loreto came back strongly in the second quarter, but great defending from the backline of Jill O’Keeffe, Orla Shields, Millie Gilsenan and Caoimhe O’Connor helped keep the visitors at bay. Loreto pushed on, and eventually won a short corner close to half-time which they converted, making it 1-1 going into half-time.

After a great pep talk from coach Paul O’Donnell, Kilkenny started the second half with great determination. Louise Kenny was applying great pressure to the Loreto hit outs, stopping nearly every one from leaving the Loreto half. Kilkenny were awarded another short corner after a lovely passage of play from Faye Reynolds. The short corner was converted by Millie Gilsenan, bringing Kilkenny up to 2-1.

Kilkenny were dominant in the final quarter, which saw some lovely play between Aoife O’Reilly and Emily Ryan. Loreto did make a break, but some great defending and a number of phenomenal saves from goalkeeper Anna Waldron kept them out.

Kilkenny kicked on again and ended the game on a high note with another short corner conversion from Millie Gilsenan to wrap up the 3-1 win.

Kilkenny, who sit on top of the table with four wins from four, are away to second placed Portrane on Saturday.

Kilkenny Seconds: Maria Connolly, Lily Cooke, Tatum Ginder, Emily Ryan, Aoife O’Reilly, Louise Kenny, Nessa Farrell, Faye Reynolds, Orla Shields, Caoimhe O’Connor, Jill O’Keeffe, Anna Waldron.

Coach: Paul O’Donnell.