Kilkenny Firsts earn point in game of two halves

It was most definitely a game of two halves when the Kilkenny Ladies Firsts hosted old rivals Glenanne Hockey Club in Kilkenny College on Saturday. Supporters on both sides were treated to an exciting eight goal thriller, as both teams looked to battle it out for vital league points.

Despite being away from home, Glenanne were sharper from the off and attacked from the offset, going a goal ahead within minutes after a quick break up the pitch.

With Kilkenny struggling to get a foothold in the game, Glenanne’s purple patch continued as the opening half came to a close. A well rehearsed penalty corner routine saw the Glens forward deflect the ball over the Kilkenny defenders and into the back of the net for their second goal of the game.

Coach Danny Mulligan regrouped his side at the half time break and the Cats looked to be a rejuvenated team in the finishing half. Despite enjoying large spells of possession with the ball, the home side conceded a third goal after giving away the ball deep in their own half.

Just when it looked as if all hope was lost for Kilkenny, Kate Crotty found herself through on goal after some neat link-up play with Laura O’Neill and Ciara Mahon. A deliberate foul on Crotty in the opposition circle resulted in a penalty stroke, which Clair Phelan duly netted and gave the Cats a way back into the game.

The final quarter of the game was a spectator’s dream with four more goals hitting the net. With a two goal gap still separating the teams, the Cats had it all to do gain something from the contest. A weaving run from Poppy William’s saw her earn her side a vital penalty corner, which was hammered into the corner of the net by Sue Shirley.

After getting back into the game, Kilkenny suffered another blow with 10 minutes left to play as the travelling team bagged their fourth and final goal of the game, thanks to a fast-paced counter attack. Much to their credit, Kilkenny’s never say die attitude spurred them on. They attacked the Glenanne circle with vengeance once again, and managed to win another important penalty corner. Having netted a goal only minutes earlier, Sue Shirley stepped up to the mark once again and made no mistake in rattling the net for the second time.

With only a single goal separating the sides, the Cats were desperate to find the equaliser and take a valuable point from the game. Anna May Whelan found herself in space in the dying minutes and the speedy winger carried the ball into the circle. A late tackle on Whelan resulted in a final penalty corner for the home team. Sue Shirley’s drag flick was well read but the Glenanne defence, but Ally Carter was on hand at the right post to guide the rebounding shot into the back of the net and the comeback was complete for Kilkenny. The Cats will look to take great confidence from the game into their fixture next Saturday against near rivals Naas.

Kilkenny Firsts - Paula Farrell (C), Jess Cary, Niamh Spratt O’Shea, Clair Phelan, Sam Willis, Sue Shirley, Sarah Richardson, Lucy Simms, Anna May Whelan, Sara Browne, Laura O’Neill, Kate Crotty, Poppy Williams, Ally Carter, Ciara Mahon, Gemma O’Dwyer.

Coach/Manager - Danny Mulligan/Jenny Wallace.